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

August 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1389

LOCATION

Al Jazza'a, Al Hassakah, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, between 15 and 41 people reportedly died following an alleged US-led Coalition strike on Al Jazza’a [or al-Helo] village. The civilians were leaving Asr prayer at the village mosque when they were hit, local media sources reported. According to Hasaka Rasd and multiple other sources, “the village was not

Summary

First published
August 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21 – 41
(3 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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 target
ISIS
Named victims
11 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1421

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Two infants were reported killed along with their mother after “bombing” and “shelling” of Raqqa city. A Tweet by @AhmadShibli blamed the US-led Coalition for the attack, however, the majority of other sources did not specify an actor. The city of Raqqa was reportedly “besieged by International Coalition aircraft” at the time of the incident.

Summary

First published
August 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS1453

LOCATION

Bokros Tahtani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that “a leader of the Islamic State, and his son were killed in a raid by the Washington-led international coalition aircraft” al Laayadh area, near the river crossing, بقرص تحتاني Bokros Tahtani, Eastern Deir Ezzor. According to Euphrates Post among other sources, he was “coming from the town of Al-Shuhail on a

Summary

First published
September 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 children)
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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1486 RS2445

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on al Basira, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the regime were to blame. Reports said that the strikes hit to post office building. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Moen_dndil attributed the event to the Coalition. However,

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1518

LOCATION

Al Mala'ab Al Baladi, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that one male civilian died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the municipal stadium area of Al Mala’ab Al Baladi in Raqqa. According to FSA Raqqa Sport, the victim was “a body building champion”. In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: ” After review of all available

Summary

First published
September 23, 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

September 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1550

LOCATION

المیادین, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Euphrates Post reported “the martyrdom of Fadia Eissa Al Hamada, former director of Al Hussein School, the wife of Eng. Abdul Turki ‘Abu Abdullah’ as a result of the barbaric bombardment of their house”. Marsad Al Hasaka also reported the woman’s death, though neither source said who was to blame.

Summary

First published
September 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1586

LOCATION

Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One person died in an aerial offensive that targeted the river crossing in al Mayadeen, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. News of the civilian casualty came amid numerous reports of Russian actions in the area, @m_eelwahed described “Russian raids” with phosphorous which led to the outbreak of fires in several neighbourhoods of the

Summary

First published
October 5, 2017
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, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1623

LOCATION

الحسين, Markada/Husayn, Al Hassakah, Syria

Local media reported civilian casualties in the town of Markadah and nearby al Husain village following alleged US-led Coalition strikes. News of civilian deaths came amidst reports of conflict in the area over the past 48 hours. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented violent clashes between the so-called Islamic State organisation and the US-backed

Summary

First published
October 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1655

LOCATION

سويعية, Al Suwei'iya village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians died in an airstrike on al Suwei’yia village, according to local media. A number of parties were blamed. Euphrates Post didn’t say who was responsible for the airstrike, though Al Araby and Syrian Press Center blamed shelling by Iraqi forces. According to Alaraby, “three civilians, including two women, were killed and three others

Summary

First published
November 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12
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

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

CS1719

LOCATION

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Bahra village, according to multiple local sources. Al Manar News, for example, reported that “three civilians were killed after the bombing of International Alliance aircraft on the village of Al-Bahra in the south-east of Deir Ez-Zour.” ISIS released a video on January 30th

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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 14, 2018

Incident Code

CS1751

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to a single source, several civilians were wounded as a result of Iraqi and Coalition air or artillery strikes on the village of Al Baghouz on May 15th. Multiple sources stated that the Syrian Defence Forces (SDF), supported by the International Coalition and in coordination with Iraqi forces, took control of the town of

Summary

First published
May 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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 24, 2018

Incident Code

CS1783

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to local sources three to four civilians were killed by artillery or airstrikes, injuring up to 18 others near the sheep market of al Soussa. Al Soussa Youth reported “a very violent bombardment of rocket launchers” on the sheep market and nearby houses. According to the report, “more than ten missiles” resulted in large

Summary

First published
July 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(0–1 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–18
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 10, 2018

Incident Code

CS1806

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to four civilians including a child were reported killed in Coalition airstrikes on al Sha’afa, according to a number of sources. The victims were described as internally displaced people (IDPs) by al Sha’afa town’s Facebook page, which noted “Confirmation of the killing of four civilians in Al-Sha’afa in the recent raids on the town.

Summary

First published
October 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3
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

December 21, 2018

Incident Code

CS1876

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Shaafa town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike killed and injured a number of civilians on the morning of December 21st. Although some sources reported that the incident took place on December 20th (when another similar incident occurred) the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights distinguished the two as separate events. Local sources reported the killing of 27 people, mostly

Summary

First published
December 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 27
(8 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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 target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2019

Incident Code

CS1900a

LOCATION

هداج, Hadaj, Al Hassakah, Syria

Bread salesman Abdul Razzaq Mohammed from the village of Abu Juba was heading to work passing through Hadaj village when he was allegedly shot and hit by Coalition machine gun fire during Coalition operations in the village. Local sources reported he died of the injuries sustained in the strike. No other details are known at

Summary

First published
February 17, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
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 target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1163a

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

In the Amnesty and Airwars’ joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, 11 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes 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 by Amnesty/Airwars stated that

Summary

First published
July 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(4 children1 woman2 men)
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

September 19, 2019

Incident Code

CS1932

LOCATION

الزر, Al Zer, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two unidentified men were killed by an alleged drone strike from the International Coalition in the morning of September 19th, according to local sources. It is unclear whether these were civilians. Several sources claimed the men were masked and riding a motorcycle when they were hit by an airstrike, which Euphrates Post believed to have

Summary

First published
September 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2021

Incident Code

CS1966

LOCATION

الزر, Al Zir, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one young man was killed in an alleged Coalition and Syrian Democratic Forces operation in the village of Al Zir on October 16, 2021. According to Euphrates Post, five people were arrested in a security operation carried out by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the support of the Coalition: Muhammad Khader Al-Rathi, Ayman Khader

Summary

First published
October 16, 2021
Last updated
April 30, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 men)
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Democratic Forces, US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS631 CS176a

LOCATION

تل الجاير, Al Jayer, Al Hassakah, Syria

An airstrike targeted a local taxi bus killing between ten and 15 civilians including up to seven children according to sources – although there was disagreement over whether the Coalition or Russia was responsible. According to the Hassakah Youth Movement, “the Hyundai belongs to Hussein Morei Al Atiya [who died in the attack]. Mr Atiya

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(2–7 children4 men)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, US-led Coalition
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2014

Incident Code

CS017

LOCATION

سلوك, Suluk, Raqqa, Syria

An internal Coalition report, citing web sources, noted claims that civilian casualties had been alleged at Slouk “on a strike on some grain silos.” The aircraft was likely to have been a US armed drone, due to the Hellfire missile used. An initial investigation concluded that there had been no civilians injured: “The only strike

Summary

First published
October 28, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2015

Incident Code

CS050

LOCATION

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria

In a second alleged incident in the area for this night, it was reported that civilian oil workers died in a Coalition attack. According to Thiqa, “preliminary reports refer to the fall of the martyrs among civilians working in the oil, as well as a number of wounded civilians arrived at the field hospital located

Summary

First published
February 2, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 15, 2015

Incident Code

CS115

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A young adult male civilian was reported killed in an afternoon airstrike by the Coalition in Raqqah. He was named on a Facebook memorial page as Mut’ib Khamees Al Jarbou’. No further details were given of how he had died. In its monthly civilian casualty assessment for October 2019 – published on December 5th of

Summary

First published
August 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2015

Incident Code

CS156

LOCATION

كبش, Kabsh, Raqqa, Syria

At least six civilians were killed and four injured in what was reported as a Coalition drone strike at Kabsh in northern Al Raqqah. The attack targeted what was described as “a small convoy of vehicles transporting passengers”. A minibus carrying the civilians was said to have been destroyed. The Syrian Press Centre was the

Summary

First published
December 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS198

LOCATION

تل الجاير, Tall al-Jayer, Al Hassakah, Syria

A young civilian non-combatant named as Khuder Mohammad Al Assawad was reported by VDC as having died “Due to coalition air force’s shelling of a civilian car in Tel al-Jayer village.” Zaman al Wasl put the death toll higher, noting that “two civilians died as a result of a strike carried out by international Coalition

Summary

First published
April 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(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

June 20, 2016

Incident Code

CS235

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Two adult male civilians, named as Mohammad Abdi al Barho, 20 years old, and Ahamad Jaber al Issa, 23 years old, were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Manbij, according to local sources. Manbij Mother of the World reported that the two men died when Coalition planes struck them while they were on a motor

Summary

First published
June 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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

July 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS268

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Fifteen or more civilians reportedly died in an alleged Coalition night time strike on the Al Hazwana neighbourhood of Manbij, according to multiple reports. Manbij Mother of all the World said the ‘terrible massacre’ took place near the al Karama school. The Syrian Observatory issued an urgent call to the Coalition and its allies: “We

Summary

First published
July 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 16
(3 men)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 25, 2016

Incident Code

CS301

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the death of a young civilian male following an alleged Coalition strike on an ISIL prison. The group noted on August 28th: “Martyrdom of Khalil Al-Gharieb, detained by the organisation Daesh due to an international Coalition warplane raid several days before on the organization’s prison in the city of

Summary

First published
August 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

CS373

LOCATION

أبو وحل, Abu Wahil, Raqqa, Syria

Three civilians reportedly died in a Coalition airstrike on Abu Wahil village, according to sources. Syria News Desk reported the following: “The media opposition activist Mohamed Osman, quoting civilian sources from Abu Wahil, said Coalition aircraft targeted with severe rocket explosion the homes of civilians in both villages, which led to the deaths of three

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

December 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS407

LOCATION

المشيرفة, Al Msheirfa, Raqqa, Syria

Two families consisting of at least 11 people were killed at al Msheirfa in a Coalition airstrike, according to various sources. According to All 4 Syria, “18 civilians were killed in Al Msheirfa according to the initial death toll due to coalition warplane shelling. The warplanes targeted the house of Rajab Al-Ali Al-Hilal Al-Taweel and

Summary

First published
December 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 20
(2 children2 women2 men)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS439 RS1827

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Between 10 and 25 fighters of the militant group Fatah al Sham were killed – as well as a civilian policeman – and as many as six other people were injured, following an alleged airstrike in Saraqib. It is not clear whether or not the injured were civilians or members of Fatah al Sham. Sources are conflicted as

Summary

First published
January 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
0–6
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
1 named
View Incident