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

January 6, 2017

Incident Code

CS428

LOCATION

الضبعان, Dabaan, Raqqa, Syria

At least two civilians were killed in a reported Coalition airstrike on Dabban village in Raqqa governorate. According to the Syrian Observatory, “the international coalition’s warplanes bombed places in Dabaan area in the countryside of Al-Raqqah, and confirmed information about the death of two people.” ISIL also said that “two people were killed in an

Summary

First published
January 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
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

January 6, 2017

Incident Code

CS427

LOCATION

سويدية كبيرة, Sowaiydiya Kabira, Raqqa, Syria

At least eight civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Sowaydiya, as the US-led Coalition and its SDF ground proxies continued to battle ISIL in Raqqa governorate. According to Raqqah is Being Slaughtered, there were “nine martyrs and three injured in a massacre at the village of al Sowaydiya Kabira following targeting

Summary

First published
January 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 12
(6 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–24
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2017

Incident Code

CS426

LOCATION

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

A reported unilateral US airstrike targeted and possibly killed Sheikh Yones Shoaib, aka Abu Hassan Taftanaz – a key leader of Fatah al-Sham. However his 15-year old son Hasan Younes Shoeaib also reportedly died, along with at least one other relative. The Syrian Observatory later questioned whether Sheikh Yones Shoaib in fact died. In June

Summary

First published
January 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
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 targets
Al Qaeda/HTS, ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS4254a

LOCATION

مزرعة الرشيد, Al Rashid Farm, Raqqa, Syria

In a series of raids on the towns of Rashid and Aweij in the countryside of Raqqa, an alleged Coalition airstrike struck Al Rashid Farm. Four civilians were reported killed in strike, including a woman, and six others were wounded. In their June 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were

Summary

First published
January 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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 3, 2017

Incident Code

CS425

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

A major US airstrike on an al Nusra Front headquarters – a unilateral action – killed a significant number of militants. However, up to 26 Free Syrian Army prisoners held in the building were also reported killed, along with three children. The US admitted responsibility for just one civilian death three years later. Fatah al

Summary

First published
January 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
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
Al Qaeda/HTS
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS424

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

Targeted air or drone strikes – most likely unilateral US actions – reportedly killed two high ranking militants along with a number of fighters. However sources also claimed there were civilian casualties. There were two reported evening attacks. In the first, a car was destroyed on the Sarmada-Bab al Hawa road, killing four people inside.

Summary

First published
January 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2016

Incident Code

CS423

LOCATION

دبسي عفنان, Debsi Afnan, Raqqa, Syria

At least five civilians were killed and as many as 22 injured after Coalition aircraft allegedly bombed Debsi Afnan, a town 70km west of Raqqa city. Raialyaom News reported that “seven were killed including 3 children and 22 wounded including women and children with some in critical condition, due to coalition warplane strikes in Debsi

Summary

First published
December 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4–22
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

December 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS420 TS030

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between 20 and 25 civilians died in a Turkish (or less likely Coalition) raid on al Bab. According to ISIS’s media wing, “Turkish planes committed a new massacre in al Bab for the second day running – initial toll of 20 dead.” Umayya reported the death toll as being possibly even higher than 25: “The

Summary

First published
December 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 25
(3–7 children3–10 women1 man)
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, Turkish Military
Named victims
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS421

LOCATION

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

An adult civilian male named as Awwad Al-Thallaj died when his vehicle was struck in a reported Coaltion airstrike at al Tabaqa. Raqqa is being Slaughtered noted the “Martyrdom of Awwad Al-Thallaj due to coalition warplanes shelling targeted his car near the Euphrate Damn near Tabaqa.” In an emailed response to a report submitted by

Summary

First published
December 23, 2016
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

December 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS422

LOCATION

سويدية صغيرة, Sweidah Sagheer, Raqqa, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed and two or more injued following an alleged Coalition strike on Sweida Sagheer. Revolutionary Forces of Syria reported that “According to activists, a coalition raid in Sweida Sagheer killed three civilians and wounded others.” While other sources mentioned Coalition strikes on the village, none refered to civilian casualties. In an

Summary

First published
December 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

December 22, 2016

Incident Code

CS419

LOCATION

جعبر, Ja'abar, Raqqa, Syria

Seven or more civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike at Ja’abar during fighting for control of the town. According to LCCSY, “Civilian martyrs and wounded by the international coalition aircraft bombed on the outskirts of the village of #Ja’abar #Tabaqa city.” According to the Syrian Network, “six civilians died in International Coalition

Summary

First published
December 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(1 woman1 man)
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2016

Incident Code

CS418

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, al Thani, Raqqa, Syria

Four to five civilians were reported killed and ten injured in a Coalition airstrike on al Tabaqa. According to most sources a possible civilian woman, two men and two children died in the attack. According to ISIL’s media wing “a child and a woman and man [were] killed and 10 people injured as a result

Summary

First published
December 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS417 TS025

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Three unnamed civilian males were reported killed in a Turkish (or less likely Coalition) action at al Bab. The Coalition later denied responsibility. According to Step News, “Turkish planes targeted al Bab, east of Aleppo, with three raids and there are news about casualties.” VDC later reported three unidentfied male civilian deaths – though said

Summary

First published
December 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
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

December 16, 2016

Incident Code

CS416 TS024

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between eleven and 15 civilians were reported killed in a Turkish (or less likely Coalition) action at al Bab. According to LCCSY eleven civilians died, “most of them killed in Coalition raids on al Bab.”However, the source had consistently denied civilian harm from Turkish actions during the al-Bab campaign. Al Bab News reported “more than

Summary

First published
December 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 15
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, Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2016

Incident Code

CS415

LOCATION

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria

Sixteen child soldiers were killed in Coalition airstrikes at al Shadadi, according to a local source.    

Summary

First published
December 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 16
(16 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2016

Incident Code

CS413 TS020

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Twelve civilians were killed and up to 30 injured at al Bab in what local sources claimed was a ‘Coalition’ strike, but which may have been a result of Turkish-ISIS fighting. Al A’maq, ISIS’s media wing, reported “12 dead and 30 injured, most of them women and children, following violent Turkish shelling with more than

Summary

First published
December 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
(6 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20–30
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, Turkish Military
Named victims
8 named, 2 families identified
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

December 11, 2016

Incident Code

CS412

LOCATION

الكور, Al Kour, Raqqa, Syria

Reports emerged on December 15th of an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of al Kour which killed three civilians. However the original source for the claim suggested that the event took place two days earlier. According to Abd al Basset Ahmad al Khalaf, head of the political committee for local Syrian tribes, Habib al

Summary

First published
December 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2016

Incident Code

CS411

LOCATION

خشام, Khusham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to eleven civilians died in a Coalition airstrike which at the time was also blamed on Russia and the Assad regime. However the Coalition has confirmed striking oil installations and tankers in the vicinity on this date, and killing five drivers. According to Ara News, “Unidentified warplanes shelling oil refineries in Badeyet Kisham killed

Summary

First published
December 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 9, 2016

Incident Code

CS410 TS019

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

At least thirteen civilians were reported killed and eight injured in either a Turkish or Coalition airstrike on al Bab. The Coalition later denied responsibility. Al Jazeera – citing ISIS – said two families were among 13 dead civilians after multiple “Turkish airstrikes” on the city. The Syrian Observatory said that “no less than 12

Summary

First published
December 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 20
(7 children4 women8 men)
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Turkish Military
Named victims
12 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

December 8, 2016

Incident Code

CS408

LOCATION

البحرة, Al Bahra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

At least one named civilian was reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on al Bahra. According to Al Nateq, “A Coalition airstrike in Al Bahra, in the countryside of Abu Kamal, killed civilians: one person was identified as Hassan Al-Jandeel.” In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other

Summary

First published
December 8, 2016
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
Named victims
1 named
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

December 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS407a

LOCATION

near Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of seven civilians near Raqqa. Their February 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “Dec. 7, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, via social media report: During a strike on a compound occupied by ISIL fighters, it is assessed that seven civilians in the buildings

Summary

First published
December 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS406

LOCATION

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

Three civilians reportedly died and three were injured in an alleged Coalition strike at al Tabaqa. The victims were said to be from Qaryatain in Homs, with Step News, Shaam News Network and Euphrates Post reporting that they died while collecting wood. Syria News Desk instead said the trio died when homes were struck. In

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
3
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

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS404

LOCATION

العبارة, `Abbarah, Raqqa, Syria

Four civilians including three brothers – along with two ISIL fighters – were reported killed in an alleged Coalition air raid on al Abbara. Syria News Desk said that “Four civilians and two members of Islamic state were killed and others were injured this afternoon, due to international coalition raids targeting with four raids the

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS405 TS018

LOCATION

البزاعة, Al Baza'a, Aleppo, Syria

Multiple sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the deaths of a woman and her seven children at al Baza’a, north east of al Bab. However the Coalition later assessed the claims as ‘Not credible.’ Given Turkey’sd own campaign at the time at Al-Bab, its aircraft may therefore have been responsible. According to Step News “Coalition

Summary

First published
December 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(3–7 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
22
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

CS403

LOCATION

الجرنية, Al Jarnia, Raqqa, Syria

A reported Coalition airstrike on the local water company killed at least five workers, according to sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered reported that “three people working at the water company in al Jarnia – one of them the water manager – were killed in international coalition raids targeting the company today.” Baladi News placed the

Summary

First published
December 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(8 men)
Civilians reported injured
10–12
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

CS402

LOCATION

الهزيمة, Al Hazimah, Raqqa, Syria

A woman was reported killed and several injured during an alleged Coalition strike on al Hazima. According to LCCSY, “international coalition warplanes target the town of #Hazima to the north of the city where a civilian was martyred and several others were injured.” In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this

Summary

First published
December 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

CS401

LOCATION

كبش غربي, Kabish Gharbi, Raqqa, Syria

A single source reported civilian casualties following an alleged Coalition raid at Khabish Gharbi. According to Smart News, “one civilian was killed and others wounded in coalition raids on the village of Kabish Gharbi north of Raqqa.” In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other incidents in December 2016,

Summary

First published
December 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident