US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Civilians in the ruins of Mosul city. (Maranie R. Staab)

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

July 28, 2016

Incident Code

CS285

LOCATION

الغندورة, Al Ghandoura, Aleppo, Syria

At least 22 civilians were killed in a Coalition airstrike on the village of al Ghandourra. According to Syria Newsdesk, the noon strikes hit the main market and the elementary school in the town, which was occupied by so-called ISIL. The US later admitted to inadvertently killing 15 civilians in the incident, claiming that “the

Summary

First published
July 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
22 – 41
(3–10 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
25–40
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
19 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS177

LOCATION

الحسكة, Al-Hasakah, Al Hassakah, Syria

Alleged Coalition airstrikes on three or four Daesh-controlled villages killed 15 civilians including three children, according to both the Syrian Observatory and the Hassakah Youth Movement. In a later report, the Damascus Center noted: “On the afternoon [of Wednesday 17th February 2016), planes likely to be the Coalition launched more than ten air strikes, affecting

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 40
(3 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
70
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
15 named, 6 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS432

LOCATION

السوا, Sawa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between five and 40 civilians reportedly died following a Coalition airstrike at al Sa’wa, according to local sources. The Coalition later confirmed killing just two civilians. According to Step News, “international coalition planes targeted last night oil terminal wells near the town of Al Sa’awa in the western countryside with dozens of air strikes, killing

Summary

First published
January 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 40
Civilians reported injured
2–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS863

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 15 and 40 civilians including two to five children and one to three women died, and up to 15 more were injured, in airstrikes on multiple locations in Al Mayadeen. Local sources were initially conflicted as to whether this was the work of the Coalition, Iraqi warplanes or Russia. However, in April 2018 the

Summary

First published
May 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 40
(2–5 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2018

Incident Code

CS1721

LOCATION

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Multiple local sources reported up to 40 civilians killed, including up to 20 named children and at least 13 women, and “dozens” wounded in a major casualty event in Al Bahra on February 4th. All sources identify the Coalition as the culprit or – as with the Enabbaladi local report – specifically mentioned “indiscriminate US

Summary

First published
February 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
38 – 40
(7–21 children13–20 women3–7 men)
Civilians reported injured
24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
40 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1531

LOCATION

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

Between 21 and 40 civilians, the majority women and children, were reported killed in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city. Initially the citizen journalist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), reported 40 civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition. According to RBSS, the strikes hit an apartment building and all

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21 – 40
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS779

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

Between 20 and 40 civilians including eight children and four women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the Al Awwal and Al Thaleth neighbourhood of Al Tabaqa, according to local media. All sources attributed the incident to the Coalition, though there was some uncertainly on the date of the incident with a number of

Summary

First published
May 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 40
(10 children5 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2015

Incident Code

CS123

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Al-Thawrah (Tabaqah), Raqqa, Syria

Up to 20 adult civilians were reported killed and injured alongside 15 children after Coalition aircraft reportedly bombed forcibly-engaged civilians who were being forced to dig ditches by Islamic State. The children reportedly belonged to ISIL’s Cubs of Al Khilafa youth organisation. The casualties occurred in the morning at the village of Krin, west of

Summary

First published
September 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
30 – 40
(15 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS673

LOCATION

شعيب الذكر, Sho'aib Al Zakir, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 40 civilians including a woman and her six children died after their boat sank while it was crossing the Euphrates River near Sho’aib Al-Zikir. While most local sources blamed the UIS-led Coalition, one news organisation said the boat had instead capsized because there were too many people onboard. The Smart News Network reported:

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 40
(6 children1–7 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2017

Incident Code

CS1593

LOCATION

البدو, Baidou, Raqqa, Syria

A mass civilian casualty event reportedly took place on the Al Bedou neighbourhood of Raqqah city, following alleged US-led Coalition strikes, according to multiple local sources. According to local monitors 40 civilians died, with reportedly a total of “around 60” suspected either killed or injured. The strikes were said to have targeted or struck an

Summary

First published
October 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
40
(10 children10 women)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 15, 2016

Incident Code

CS313 RS1266

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what was widely reported as a Russian action, at least 27 civilians died and more than 70 were injured following airstrikes on Al Mayadeen. Almost all sources including Daesh blamed Russia. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered said 6 Russian planes carried out 20 strikes between them, including on a children’s playground. Shaam News added

Summary

First published
September 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
27 – 40
(9 children4–8 women)
Civilians reported injured
70
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
24 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 18, 2019

Incident Code

CS1888

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what was described as a “massacre”, local sources reported that an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted the town of Al-Baghouz Tahtani east of Deir Al-Zour, killing between 6 and 39 civilians including women and children. Most sources reported that the civilians were struck while fleeing areas under ISIS control. However one local source, who did

Summary

First published
January 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 39
(6–22 children4–8 women3–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected targets
ISIS, Other
Named victims
40 named, 9 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2016

Incident Code

CS237 RS926

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 38 civilians including six children and three women were killed and up to 150 injured in airstrikes on Raqqa, according to multiple sources. While most alleged that Russia carried out the attack, the United States later admitted responsibility – though admitted only three civilians deaths: “June 21, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during

Summary

First published
June 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23 – 38
(6–7 children4 women11 men)
Civilians reported injured
150
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
38 named, 5 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS662a RS2072

LOCATION

سلقين, Salqeen, Idlib, Syria

As many as 37 civilians were killed, and between 12 and 50 were wounded, following an airstrike on Salqeen – according to local sources. Up to 17 children and five women were allegedly killed in this raid on the residential neighbourhood. According to Euphrates Post, “four of them a family from eastern Deir Ezzor”. The

Summary

First published
April 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 37
(14–17 children5 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
18 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS705

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, up to 36 civilians including 14 children died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Abu Kamal, near the Syrian-Iraqi border, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or the Iraqi air force were liable. The Coalition later took responsibility

Summary

First published
April 18, 2017
Last updated
December 2, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
25 – 36
(14 children5 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
40
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
4 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1276

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Between 29 and 36 civilians died in air and artillery strikes in Raqqa over the previous 24 hours, according to local sources. Most reports blamed the Coalition – though one also said that Russia had carried out strikes in the city. It should be noted that the numbers given in these reports are general numbers

Summary

First published
July 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
29 – 36
Civilians reported injured
50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2016

Incident Code

CS414 RS1787

LOCATION

الرقة‎, al Dalla roundabout, Raqqa, Syria

A heavy air raid on Ar Raqqah left up to 36 civilians dead according to multiple reports. While most blamed Russia, there were some claims that the US-led Coalition was responsible. It has since denied involvement. According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, the afternoon raids were concentrated mainly near the city’s al Dalla roundabout. Euphrates

Summary

First published
December 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18 – 36
(3–14 children2 women16 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–60
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
31 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1534

LOCATION

White Garden area, Raqqa, Syria

Between 29 and 35 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the al Hadika al Baidaa area of Raqqah, according to local media. @24Raqqa put the death toll at 29, “including women and children”. But according to Raqqa Now and Almanar, more than 35 died. All sources blamed the US-led Coalition.

Summary

First published
September 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
29 – 35
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1562a

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, one civilian was reportedly killed in alleged Coalition artillery strikes in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty. The report stated that “Mahmud

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 35
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1527

LOCATION

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

More than 32 civilians died in alleged US-led Coalition strikes on the city of Raqqah, according to local media. Field research by Amnesty International has since confirmed many of the civilian deaths. The civilians were in the basement of a building near Maari School when the airstrike hit, causing the building to collapse on them,

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
March 23, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
32 – 35
(16 children12 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
32 named, 5 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2018

Incident Code

CS1802

LOCATION

مسجد الهشيم السوسة , Al Soussa: al Hashim mosque, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that the US-led Coalition bombed the al Hashim mosque in al Soussa. However, it was unclear whether the 29 to 33 people reported killed were civilians or members of ISIS. The Step News Agency said that the strike was carried out at dawn on October 1st, while the Syrian Network for Human

Summary

First published
October 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 33
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS955a

LOCATION

شارع النور, Al Nour Mosque, Raqqa, Syria

Initially this incident was reported on by several local sources as alleged Coalition airstrikes in the area behind Barazi pharmacy, near Al Nour mosque in the city of Raqqa. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently blamed “international coalition raids and Kurdish militia artillery”, and put the death toll at more than 33, with dozens more wounded.

Summary

First published
June 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 33
(1 child2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1696 RS2799

LOCATION

الجردي الشرقي, Al Jarthi al Sharqi, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 33 named civilians including 16 children and six women died and at least 10 more were wounded in airstrikes on al Jarthi al Sharqi, according to local media. VDC-SY reported that the airstrike was conducted on the 12th of December, whereas our research shows it was in fact on the 13th of December.

Summary

First published
December 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 33
(16 children6 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
33 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 9, 2016

Incident Code

CS409

LOCATION

معيزيلة, Ma'yezila, Raqqa, Syria

Between 17 and 32 civilians were reported killed and a further 20 or more injured following alleged Coalition strikes on Ma’yezila. According to Riba FM, the strike took place near the town’s Alh mosque. Raqqa News Network reported that “Al-Ma’yzila’s population is less than 300 and they all have the same grandfather. More than 28

Summary

First published
December 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 32
(7–10 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
10 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2018

Incident Code

CS1854

LOCATION

أبو الحسن, Abou Al Hasan , Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 12 and 30 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, which one source described as a “massacre of defenseless Sunni civilians”. According to Step News, 12 civilians were killed whereas the number of dead exceeded 30 according to Official Al Shaafa Facebook page. Most victims were women and children according to sources

Summary

First published
November 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 30
(4–8 children2–6 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2018

Incident Code

CS1718

LOCATION

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Thirty civilians allegedly died in Coalition airstrikes on Al Bahra village in the Deir Ezzor countryside, according to local sources. The original source for these claims appeared to be ISIS. @7UFCmSxd0IUBffH and other sources said that there were “more than 30 martyrs, most of them women and children, and injured civilians, in US air strikes

Summary

First published
January 26, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
30
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 21, 2018

Incident Code

CS1782

LOCATION

بين بلدة السوسة والظهرة في البادية, Al Soussa/al Dahra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that up to thirty civilians were killed and injured when Coalition airstrikes allegedly targeted several locations between al Soussa and al Dahra. Most sources stated that the civilians were struck when they were trying to escape the village of al Soussa and move towards the al Dahra area in al Badia, rural

Summary

First published
July 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
24 – 30
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1580a RS2591

LOCATION

معبر مائي بين هجين و العباس, Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between ten and 30 civilians were killed, including four named men, and “dozens” more were injured, following a continuation of airstrikes on the river crossing, however this time the crossing linking Hajeen with Al A’bbas town. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, however others

Summary

First published
October 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 30
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1261

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One male civilian died in an alleged Coalition airstrike Raqqa, according to local sources. Other reports (apparently drawn from the same source) said as many as 30 prisoners died. All reports blamed the Coalition and said that the victim – who was being detained by IS – died when an IS prison was struck.

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 30
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS477 RS1881

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

A major airstrike on Idlib city killed up to 30 civilians and injured up to 300 more. Reports blamed both Russia and the US-led Coalition for the attack. The Coalition has expressly denied any involvement – though a unilateral US action remains possible. The attack – which reportedly involved both airstrikes and missiles – caused

Summary

First published
February 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 30
(12–15 children10–11 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–300
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown, Russian Military
Named victims
24 named, 4 families identified
View Incident