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

September 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1502

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

‘Dozens’ of civilians died in airstrikes on al Baghouz, according to local sources. However reporting was confused with another alleged incident at Al Sukkariya (S1328/CS1501) with no breakdown of casualties. According to @albokmalnews and @DeirEzzor24, more than nine civilian homes were “completely destroyed in the area of Sukkariyah and in the Baghouz”. The sources said

Summary

First published
September 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 24
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

December 20, 2018

Incident Code

CS1875

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Shaafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A number of civilians, including women and children, were reported killed and wounded by an alleged Coalition airstrike on a “civilian house” in the town of Al-Shaafa on the morning of December 20th. The Coalition later admitted that two civilians were killed in the incident in Al-Shaafa. According to sources on the ground, between 6

Summary

First published
December 20, 2018
Last updated
March 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 24
(4 children1–2 women1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

November 17, 2018

Incident Code

CS1841

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 12 and 24 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin, Deir Ezzor. All sources pointed to Coalition artillery and shelling excluding Syrian Unified Observatory – which blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrikes. Sound and Picture called the event an “aerial bombardment” where “dozens” were injured, while Step News reported

Summary

First published
November 17, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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
Suspected target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS559 RS1949

LOCATION

البوراشد, Albu Rashed, Raqqa, Syria

In a major incident, up to 24 civilians reportedly died when an aircraft allegedly struck a vehicle just outside Al bu Rashed. Most of those killed were said to be children. All source blamed the Coalition, except one, which said that this was the work of Russia. Step News initially reported that the vehicle was

Summary

First published
March 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 24
(6–8 children4–6 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–20
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
5 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1269

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, near Al-Arbaeen Street, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least five civilians and possibly dozens more were killed and more than 17 wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Mayadin, according to local sources. 7al.net reported: “Saad al-Hamad, a resident of the city of Al-Mayadeen, told Al-Hilal’s website that the international coalition aircraft carried out more than four raids in the center of the

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 24
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
17
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS1462

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Political Security building, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A major civilian casualty incident, in which 20-24 civilians died, took place in the center of Abu Kamal city, Deir Ezzor Governorate, according to multiple local sources. Shaam News claimed “dozens” of civilians were killed or wounded. There was some contention regarding the number of civilians killed, as the raid allegedly targeted a prison of

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 24
(6 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
12 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

CS365

LOCATION

الهيشةة, Al Hīshah, Raqqa, Syria

As many as 24 civilians were killed in attacks – possibly carried out by both SDF and Coalition – according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered initially reported 7 victims killed “in the international coalition raids and Kurdish militia artillery.” It later released an updated casualty assessment, counting 23 victims as victims of

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 24
(2–6 children5–9 women)
Civilians reported injured
30
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, Syrian Democratic Forces
Named victims
16 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2018

Incident Code

CS1807

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source alleged that several dozen prisoners being held by Islamic State were killed when their prison was struck by the US-led Coalition or its allies the SDF. The Facebook site Exiles of the Euphrates claimed the following: “An old and sly policy of Daesh – when you want to lose a village or

Summary

First published
October 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Democratic Forces, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS489 TS079

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, New Street, Aleppo, Syria

At least 15 civilians from the same family died in either Turkish or Coalition airstrikes, as the battle to seize Al Bab from ISIL continued. Up to nine other non-combatants also died. Al Jazeera initially placed the death toll at 16 and then 24, though said the fatalities resulted from “shelling and battles in the

Summary

First published
February 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 24
(3 children5 women)
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Turkish Military
Named victims
16 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1372

LOCATION

Central neighbourhoods, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources said that 23 civilians were killed and 60 injured after alleged US-led Coalition strikes targeted neighbourhoods of Raqqa. Sound and Picture reported that the “SDF militia” had engaged in the offensive during the daytime with “intensive artillery”, whilst the US-led Coalition conducted airstrikes in the night. Airwars understands that only the Coalition has

Summary

First published
August 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
50–60
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
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2018

Incident Code

CS1836

LOCATION

البوبدران, Al Boubadran, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a residential area and reportedly killed between eight and 23 civilians, in what local sources described as “a massacre”. According to Sana News, 23 civilians died as a result of the airstrike. Step News  and Euphrates Post reported that a total of 20 people died. Step added that 17 belonged

Summary

First published
November 15, 2018
Last updated
March 22, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 23
(8–14 children3–4 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
27 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1660 RS2671

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 23 civilians, reportedly including two families, died and “a large number” more were injured in airstrikes on al Salhiya in Deir Ezzor, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime. Euphrates Post reported “21 martyrs and

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 23
(3 children1 man)
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1427

LOCATION

الحديقة البيضا, Hadika Al Bayda (White Garden), Raqqa, Syria

Between 12 and 23 civilians were reported killed, and others wounded, following US-led Coalition airstrikes near The White Garden (Hadiqa Bayda) area, in Raqqa City. The Syrian Network for Human Rights documented 12 civilian casualties, whereas the majority of other sources reported 17 or 18 killed, including women and children. The air raid reportedly struck

Summary

First published
August 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 23
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

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

CS223

LOCATION

أوجقناه, Ojkana, Aleppo, Syria

22 civilians including at least 13 children were reported killed and 13 people injured following alleged Coalition airstrikes in Manbij. The Shaam News Network reported that “Coalition planes launched raids on IS positions in Manbij and the surrounding area which led to the fall of civilian martyrs and wounded.” The Syrian Press Centre said that

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
22 – 23
(11–15 children6 women)
Civilians reported injured
13–15
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
Named victims
24 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1590a

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, between 11 and 23 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrike 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 summarised

Summary

First published
October 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 23
(6 children3 women2 men)
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
Named victims
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1022 CS273a

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

In what has been described as a massacre, committed by both Russian and Assad regime and coalition warplanes, between 10 and 23 civilians were killed and as many as 35 more wounded on July 19th in Idlib city. Other sources claimed that the Coalition was involved in the incident. According to Shaam News Network the

Summary

First published
July 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 23
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
30–35
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1648

LOCATION

Qosor neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 22 civilians died and 32 were wounded in an airstrike on the Qosour neighbourhood of Deir Ezzor, according to local media. The regime accused the US-led Coalition of carrying out the strike. However, the Coalition categorically denied it. Other sources point towards the regime Euphrates Post reported that 20 civilians died and 30

Summary

First published
October 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 22
Civilians reported injured
30–32
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS1352

LOCATION

Hisham ibn Abdul Malik, Raqqa, Syria

Twenty two civilians including 15 women reportedly died and dozens wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes behind al-Andalus bakery in the city of Al-Raqqa. There is – according to research done by Amnesty and Airwars – no precise location for the building. According to a tweet from @PalmyraRev1 it was mostly “women, children and the elderly”

Summary

First published
August 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
22
(2–5 children15 women)
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
Named victims
12 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS568

LOCATION

كسرة الفرج, Kasrat Faraj, Raqqa, Syria

Between 12 and 22 civilians including six children and seven women died and up to 26 more were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the Kasrat Al Faraj area, east of Raqqa city, according to multiple local sources which said that the raids targeted schools. Al Natek Network reported that “17 were killed, most

Summary

First published
March 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 22
(6 children7 women)
Civilians reported injured
15–26
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

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS278

LOCATION

النواجة, Al Nawaja, Aleppo, Syria

As many as 22 civilians were reported killed at the village of al Nawaja, as the Coalition-supported offensive continued. However the Coalition later denied responsibility for the incident, noting that “the JCTF did not conduct any strikes in that geographic location.” According to one source, “al Nawaja village is divided into two neighbourhoods. The eastern

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 22
(2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1236 RS2350

LOCATION

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 22 civilians including as many as 11 children died in airstrikes on Zor Shamer, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. There were no reports of injured civilians. @eldorar, Syrian free army, Ahmad Shibli and the Smart News Agency pointed

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 22
(5–11 children2–4 women1 man)
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
13 named, 7 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS497

LOCATION

مزرعة تشرين, Tishreen Farms, Raqqa, Syria

A reported airstrike at Tishreen Farms killed up to 22 non-combatants, according to reports. Both Russia and the Coalition were blamed, though the latter denied responsibility. Asharqiya Voice reported the deaths of 10 people, while Raqqa is Being Slaughtered described “a massacre against 14 civilians after Coalition planes bomb Tishreen farm north of Raqqa.” Smart

Summary

First published
February 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 22
(1–5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
30
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS920

LOCATION

الجسر القديم, Old Bridge, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 30 civilians died and many more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a gathering of civilians near boats which they were going to use to ferry them across the Euphrates River as they attempted to escape Raqqa, multiple local sources reported. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that at least

Summary

First published
June 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 30
(1 child5 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1638

LOCATION

Al Hadika al Baidaa neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that 21 bodies including women and children were recovered from the Hadika al Baidaa (White Garden) neighbourhood of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21
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

May 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS788 CS207

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Between six and 21 civilians died and up to 50 were injured in multiple night time airstrikes on the city of Raqqa, according to local sources. While most reports alleged that Russia was responsible, others did not identify the aircraft, while one blamed the Assad regime and another said that the Coalition might have carried

Summary

First published
May 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 21
(1 child1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2018

Incident Code

CS1822

LOCATION

مسجد خالد بن الوليدهجين, Hajin: House near Khalid bin Walid mosque, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that between 14 and 21 civilians – over half of them children, according to some sources – were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a house near the Khalid bin Walid mosque in Hajin. Several sources mentioned al Soussa, al Kushma and al Sha’afa as other locations targeted by airstrikes that

Summary

First published
November 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 21
(5–9 children5–9 women)
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

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS670

LOCATION

هنيدة, Hunaida, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 21 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on an internet cafe in Huneida, according to multiple local media. All sources pointed towards the Coalition. Death counts varied but were in the range of 12-15 or more, with Almadenah putting the figure as high as 17. @infoctma said

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18 – 21
(4 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
11–24
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
18 named, 5 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1576

LOCATION

Al Shuhadaa, Raqqa, Syria

Between 13 and 21 civilians reportedly died following airstrikes on al Shuhadaa neighbourhood north of Raqqah city, according to local sources. The civilians were said to have gathered around a water well in the area. This was the second reported attack on the city’s water supply in two days. Shahba Press said it had documented

Summary

First published
October 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 21
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

June 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS949

LOCATION

Western neighbourhoods, Raqqa, Syria

Twenty-one civilians reportedly died and 19 more were wounded in Coalition airstrikes and/or artillery shelling by unidentified parties in Raqqa, local media said. The IS media agency, A’maq, published videos reportedly showing the shelling and aftermath of US strikes using white phosphorous on “neighbourhoods and markets” in the city. The videos are however no longer

Summary

First published
June 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21
Civilians reported injured
19
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 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS1466

LOCATION

Al Badou, Raqqa, Syria

Between 15 and 21 civilians died and 50 others were injured following an aerial offensive by the US-led Coalition, according to local media. Step New Agency reported that the Coalition had carried out a raid on Al Badou neighbourhood, north of the Al Ma’ri school, which resulted in civilians killed and injured. The death toll

Summary

First published
September 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 21
Civilians reported injured
50
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