US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident date

October 18, 2015

Incident Code

CI128

LOCATION

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

A single source reported that members of a family were killed or injured, after Coalition aircraft reportedly struck three civilian cars near the city of Hawijah. The victims were said to be travelling to Hawijah to pick up their state pensions. According to NRN, “the international coalition may have believed that those cars were linked

Summary

First published
October 18, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Incident Code

CS154

LOCATION

الهول, Al Hawl, Al Hassakah, Syria

As many as 47 civilians were reported killed and 17 injured in an alleged US Apache helicopter and fast jet attack on the village of al Khan near al Hawl. Locals were involved in an altercation with Islamic State militants according to McClatchy, with Coalition aircraft attacking a convoy of reinforcements as they entered the

Summary

First published
December 7, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
40 – 47
(19–20 children9 women11 men)
Civilians reported injured
17–30
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
41 named, 7 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2016

Incident Code

CS181

LOCATION

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria

Multiple civilian sites in the city were allegedly targeted by Coalition F-16s and F-15Es according to reports, reportedly leading to the deaths of 12 civilians. According to the Damascus Center, “According to field information, the raids were carried out by white and blue/gray fighter planes on civilian areas inhabited by displaced persons from Dayr ez

Summary

First published
February 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
Civilians reported injured
32
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

CS196

LOCATION

كنان سلطان, Kinan Sultan, Al Hassakah, Syria

A civilian water worker was reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike at Kinan Sultan. According to Balad News, “A source confirmed that Coalition aircraft targeted drinking water tankers which led to the martyrdom of the citizen Ayman Khader Al Ali, who works on water transport in the southern rural areas Hassakah.” In their February

Summary

First published
April 4, 2016
Last updated
March 9, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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
Geolocation
District
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2016

Incident Code

CI236

LOCATION

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

Many local sources claimed that Coalition aircraft struck civilian homes in a nighttime attack on Tal Afar city west of Mosul, resulting in 17 deaths including 12 children and 3 women. The Coalition has confirmed airstrikes in the city. Later local source named one of the child victims. In the first of their March 2020

Summary

First published
May 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(12 children3 women2 men)
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

June 12, 2016

Incident Code

CS227

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition reported in December 2016 that its aircraft had not been involved in a claimed event near Deyr ez Zawr seven months previously. Reports for June 12th said that the area around the city’s airport, hospital and other neighbourhoods resulted in at leasdt one death and four

Summary

First published
June 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS250

LOCATION

بير مغار, Beer Maghat, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilian males were killed and one injured when their van was allegedly targeted in a Coalition strike at Beer Maghar in northern Aleppo. According to Manbij Mother of the World, “Coalition planes target a civilian van north of the village of Maghar [Dadat] which led to the martyrdom of two young men

Summary

First published
July 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2016

Incident Code

CS276

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

In an incident which may relate to the previous report – or was unknown to Airwars – the Coalition announced in January 2017 that it was investigating a possible civilian casualty event near Manbij almost six months earlier. According to the initial statement “five reports of civilian casualties received in November are still being assessed…

Summary

First published
July 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2016

Incident Code

CI279

LOCATION

الرطبة, Ar Rutbah, Al Anbar, Iraq

According to two sources, at least 7 civilians killed including a child and woman and 6 injuries by an alleged Coalition airstrike in Rutba district west of Anbar. The sources cited that the strikes targeted various locations in Rutba district. No additional details are presently known. In the second of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition

Summary

First published
August 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

CS324

LOCATION

Subha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Coalition denied that it had killed or injured civilians near Deir ez Zawr on October 1st, despite local claims. According to reports, multiple bridges were targeted in Coalition strikes on October 1st, with Step News reporting that “Coalition warplanes destroyed a number of bridges including Al-Abbas bridge in Abu Kamal, and Al-Nawam.” Other reports

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 22, 2016

Incident Code

CS345 TS005d

LOCATION

الطويحينة, Al Tweihina, Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes, possibly carried out by Turkish forces, killed one civilian according to one local report. Others referred only to violent clashes between non state actors. Smart News Agency reported that “international Coalition aircraft” targeting ISIS in Al Tweihina which it said killed one civilian and two members of the terror group. However, the report identified

Summary

First published
October 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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, Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2016

Incident Code

CI321

LOCATION

الكندي, Mosul, Kindi, Nineveh, Iraq

Members of several families were killed by bombings in Mosul, according to one local report. Mosul Eye reported that members of three families were killed due to “bombardment” in Al-Kindi and Al-Kafa’at Al Thinita neighbourhoods of Mosul. The houses ISIL used are now empty, Mosul Eye clarified. The residents are the victims. Mosul Eye, however, did not

Summary

First published
November 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21
Civilians reported injured
9
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

CS374

LOCATION

مزرعة القادسية, Mazra'at Al Qadissiya, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian reportedly died in a Coalition airstrike at Mazra’at al Qadissiya, according to local sources. Smart News noted “Casualties due to coalition airstrikes in Mazra’at Al Qadissiya and Abu Wahel in Raqqa.” Syria News Desk reported the following: “The media opposition activist Mohamed Osman, quoting civilian sources from Abu Wahil, said Coalition aircraft targeted

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–6
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 4, 2017

Incident Code

CI389

LOCATION

17 تموز, Mosul, Talmuz/ July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq

Press and local sources said that 16 displaced civilians were killed or injured, mostly children and women, after Coalition warplanes targeted their houses in 17 July neighbourhood, at the right side of Mosul. The Correspondences team spoke of 9 killed and several wounded in the alleged Coalition strikes. Other sources also reported coalition strikes in

Summary

First published
January 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
7
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 10, 2017

Incident Code

CI410

LOCATION

حي الحدباء, Mosul, Al-Hadba, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that unspecified air raids targeted Hadbah neighborhood, northeast of Mosul. Iraqi Spring Media Center said that “three raids targeted the densely populated neighborhood of Hadbah on the left side of Mosul.” It did not say how many people died. Mosul Ateka said that Sinan Abdel-Islam was killed in the raids, with a

Summary

First published
January 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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

January 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS449

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A single source, Smart News, reported that “IS members were killed and civilians injured on Thursday, in aerial bombardment likely to be by the international coalition which targeted an IS vehicle east of the city of Raqqa, according to witnesses and medical sources.” No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

February 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS471

LOCATION

القادسية, Al Qadissiya, Raqqa, Syria

A single source, Al Ragga Truth, reported the death of three civilians in an alleged Coalition raid on Al Qadissiya farm, Raqqah. In their June 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical

Summary

First published
February 1, 2017
Last updated
March 9, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

February 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS492

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

There were confused reports of the death of Abdel-Fattah al-Haj Hussein. While one source claimed he died in an airstrike while being held prisoner by ISIL, a second source said he died in a Turkish strike – with a third source claiming Mr Hussein died of natural causes. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered initially reported the

Summary

First published
February 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS516

LOCATION

AL-SAHAMIYAH AND AL - FATATISH, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on April 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on media claims of civilian harm “near al Raqqah, Syria”. According to the Coalition report, “7. Feb. 20, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via media report: After a review of available information it was assessed that

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS533

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the grain silos area in Al Tabaqa, according to local sources. Front of Raqqa Revolution and Sounandpicture said that the two victims were workers at the silos. All sources alleged that this was a Coalition strike.  

Summary

First published
February 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS561

LOCATION

الكرامة, Al Karama, Raqqa, Syria

Between seven and 23 civilians including six children died and 18 to 30 more, including women and children, were injured in Coalition airstrikes on Al Karama town and nearby villages in Raqqa governorate, according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the death of Jum’a Mahmood Hamad Al-Hito “who was killed today due

Summary

First published
March 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 23
(6 children)
Civilians reported injured
18–30
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2017

Incident Code

CI544

LOCATION

باب الطوب, Mosul, Bab al Tor, Nineveh, Iraq

Local residents and military and medical sources said that up to two dozen civilians were killed or injured due to different kinds of shelling, and strikes by US Apache helicopters. This reportedly occurred during an ongoing battle around the Bab Al Tob area and other ancient neighborhoods in the center of Mosul. Naynawa Alghad reported

Summary

First published
March 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 24
Civilians reported injured
6–50
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2017

Incident Code

CI561

LOCATION

النبي جرجيس, Mosul, Nabi Jarjis, Nineveh, Iraq

A family of eleven or seventeen members was reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Nabi Jarjis neighbourhood. While most sources did not specify who carried out the raids, Yaqein news said it was the Coalition. “The US-led coalition forces on Monday bombed houses on the western side of the city of Mosul, the

Summary

First published
March 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 17
(3 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
5–24
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

March 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS611

LOCATION

حمرة بويتية, Hamra Buwaitiya, Raqqa, Syria

One woman and her child died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hamra Boueitiya village in the eastern Raqqa countryside, according to local sources. According to Arabs Today, “a woman and her child were killed and a civilian was wounded on Thursday after an aerial bombardment by the international coalition on villages in the eastern

Summary

First published
March 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
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

March 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS631

LOCATION

مضر, Mudar, Raqqa, Syria

Almanar, Syrialive54 and Sy_reporter claimed that Coalition jets killed eight civilians and wounded “many more” in an airstrike on Mudar. Other sources also put the death toll at eight, but didn’t identify the warplanes responsible.  

Summary

First published
March 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
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

April 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS654

LOCATION

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria

According to the Smart News Agency, one civilian died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Mansoura. Syria Mirror also reported a Coalition strike killing one civilian and injuring an unspecified number of others.  

Summary

First published
April 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS668

LOCATION

حمرة غانم, Hamra Ghanem, Raqqa, Syria

Between five and seven civilians – five from the same family including one or two women and three children – died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hamra Ghanem, according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the death of five civilians in a Coalition strike on “the house of Bashir Yusuf Sultan

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(3 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
4–10
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS685

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians died and five were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Ma’adan, according to local media. According to Micro Syria, “seven civilians were killed and wounded by a bombardment of warplanes likely belonging to the international coalition”. Al Araby, which also pointed towards the Coalition said that “two civilians were killed and five

Summary

First published
April 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5
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 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS704

LOCATION

العبارة, Al 'Abbara, Raqqa, Syria

One man died and dozens of other civilians were reportedly wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Al ‘Abbara, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently were among sources reporting that a Coalition raid struck the village school, killing one man and wounding

Summary

First published
April 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
12
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

April 23, 2017

Incident Code

CI662

LOCATION

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Two sources reported that dozens of civilians from three families died when ‘joint forces aircraft’ (either the Coalition or the Coalition with ISF aircraft) hit Zanjili neighbourhood in West Mosul. Al Jazeera said that “local sources reported that dozens of members of three families were killed in the bombing of the Zanjili district of Mosul.”

Summary

First published
April 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident