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

November 25, 2015

Incident Code

CI146

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

A high-ranking officer with the Iraq Army was the reported source for a highly contested claim – most likely Daesh propaganda – that French aircraft had bombed a school in Mosul, allegedly killing 28 pupils. According to German news agency DPA, Brigadier-General Thanon Sabawi from the Second Division of the Iraqi Army claimed that “French

Summary

First published
November 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
28
Civilians reported injured
5
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 30, 2015

Incident Code

CI171

LOCATION

يت, Hit, Al Anbar, Iraq

An alleged Coalition strike at Hit in Anbar resulted in the deaths of four named civilians. Hit News reported that Coalition strikes hit the area around the Khaled Saadoun mosque and a nearby industrial district “resulting in the deaths of a number of innocent citizens.” In the first of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports,

Summary

First published
December 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2–4 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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS177

LOCATION

الحسكة, Al-Hasakah, Al Hassakah, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

March 31, 2016

Incident Code

CI211

LOCATION

Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

The Al Najmawi family’s flour mill in Granary Street, eastern Mosul was struck in an alleged Coalition airstrike, leading to casualties among the civilian workers inside. Qoraish reported that the attack took place at the 10.30am local time, with two strikes approximately five minutes apart. It claimed there were no Daesh forces present. NRN News

Summary

First published
March 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS205

LOCATION

مرقدا, Marqadah, Al Hassakah, Syria

A claimed evening airstrike by the Coalition on Daesh fighters in Marqadah also reportedly killed and injured a number of civilians when a mosque was struck. Syria News reported local sources as saying that “The dead and wounded were killed by Coalition bombing of a mosque during evening prayers in the city of Marqadah in

Summary

First published
April 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

CS224

LOCATION

صوران, Sawran, Aleppo, Syria

Three named civilians includng a woman and her daughter were killed in a reported Coalition airstrike at Sawran. According to the Syria Network: “Fixed-wing international coalition forces used heavy machine guns to target a civilian car on the road between Souran town and Ihtemlat town which resulted in the killing of three individuals including a

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2016

Incident Code

CI262

LOCATION

زانكورة, Zankura, Al Anbar, Iraq

Up to 25 internally displaced Iraqis were reported killed in Zankura following alleged Coalition strikes and Iraqi government shelling. Iraqi Revolution reported the martyrdom of at least 25 civilians, mostly women and children, in a massacre by the international Coalition and [Iraqi] government aircraft following the bombing of the home of Saleh Hajji at Zankura,

Summary

First published
July 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
25
(6 children6 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
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 18, 2016

Incident Code

CS271

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

A single source reported the deaths of three named young children and the injuring of five more family members, in a fresh alleged Coalition casualty event at Manbij. In the second of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”,

Summary

First published
July 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 15, 2016

Incident Code

CS294

LOCATION

خلوف الضعيف, Khalouf al Daeef, Al Hassakah, Syria

One adult civilian male named as Naji Ismail al Khalouf was reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike at the village of Khalouf al Daeef in Hassakah. A woman and child were also said to have been ‘seriously’ injured. According to the Syrian Observatory, “aircraft believed to be from the international Coalition carried out several

Summary

First published
August 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

September 20, 2016

Incident Code

CI290

LOCATION

الدواسة والحدباء والنبي شيت والجوسق وكراج الشمال, Mosul, Hadba and other neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

Up to seven civilians were reported killed and 47 injured after the Coalition allegedly carried out dawn airstrikes on Mosul. According to Yaqein, areas targeted included Ghazlani and Nabi Sheet. Citing a local source it said locals were quick to evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals and the dead bodies to the morgue. Mosul Eye

Summary

First published
September 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
47
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2016

Incident Code

CS343 TS005C

LOCATION

حساجك, Hassadjek, Aleppo, Syria

At least 6 people were killed by airstrikes in the vicinity of Hassadjek village in Aleppo, though the circumstances were unclear. Initially, Voice of Kurdistan blamed the US-led Coalition for a strike occurring around 3am, which it said left six people dead and four wounded. The Russian Ministry of Defense said that Russian and Syrian government

Summary

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

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

CS356

LOCATION

معرة مصرين, Maraat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

Airstrikes variously blamed on the Coalition, on Russia and on the Assad regime targeted Fatah al Sham positions in Maarat Mislin, reportedly also killing four civilians and injuring at least two more. Initial reports – which said the town was struck three times – claimed either Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. The Syrian

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
March 24, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2–10
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2016

Incident Code

CI336

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, East, Nineveh, Iraq

A father told the Norwegian Refugee Council that 3 family members were killed and mother and 2 children were badly burnt when their home in Eastern Mosul was shelled. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

First published
November 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2016

Incident Code

CS392

LOCATION

الكلي, Al Killi, Raqqa, Syria

Between four and six civilians reportedly died when the Coalition allegedly struck the funeral of two civilian males killed in the village of al Killi the day earlier. According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, “4 women were killed and others wounded following a raid by the international coalition on a house in mourning in al

Summary

First published
November 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(4 women)
Civilians reported injured
13
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 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

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

January 9, 2017

Incident Code

CI408

LOCATION

حي المثنى, Mosul, Muthana, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources and relatives of victims said that Coalition airstrikes targeted a family house in Muthanna neighborhood northeast of Mosul. The raids reportedly killed a named civilian (53) with his mother (81) who could not leave her house due to her sickness while the son refused to abandon her. Alaraby named Omar Abdel-Hamid al-Hamdani and

Summary

First published
January 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 17, 2017

Incident Code

CI429

LOCATION

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that more than 30 civilians were killed or injured by an air or drone strike on a funeral in al Shifa, and in other neighborhoods west of Mosul. Iraqyoon quoted witnesses saying that “aircraft had bombed a funeral for the Sangaree family in Shifa neighborhood, at the right side of Mosul”. People

Summary

First published
January 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 21
(1 child3–5 men)
Civilians reported injured
11–22
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, Iraq Government Forces
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS466

LOCATION

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

Up to three civilians were killed in reported Coalition airstrikes around al Tabaqa when a school was hit in airstrikes. One of the casualtiies was said to be a special needs person. According to Smart News, “A local source said the [Coalition] planes bombed the area of the villas and Muhammad Al Fares school in

Summary

First published
January 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
3–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS488

LOCATION

جسر المغلة, Al Maghla bridge, Raqqa, Syria

According to a single source, two civilian workers died when the bridge they were repairing was targeted n a Coalition airstrike. Smart News reported that “Two workers were killed and others wounded on Monday, after bombing by aircraft from the international coalition at Al Maghla bridge during maintenance work in the city of Raqqa, according

Summary

First published
February 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
3
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 20, 2017

Incident Code

CI472

LOCATION

Mosul, Wadi Hajar, Nineveh, Iraq

At least four civilians were reported killed following a rocket attack by either the ISF or the Coalition on a mosque at Wadi Hajjar, according to an eyewitness. Amnesty International published the following account: “An attack struck Khaled Ibn al-Waleed mosque, in Wadi Hajjar, at close to 3pm on or around 20 February (witnesses could

Summary

First published
February 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2017

Incident Code

CI483

LOCATION

الرفاعي, Mosul, Rifai, Nineveh, Iraq

Security sources reported to local press that an ISIL leader and five of his family members were killed after Coalition airstrikes targeted his car in the west of Mosul. In its June casualty report, the Coalition confirmed that “During a strike on an ISIS VBIED, it was assessed that five civilians were unintentionally killed.” However

Summary

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

March 1, 2017

Incident Code

CI501

LOCATION

Mosul, Mosque of Imam Al-Baher, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on June 2nd 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of civilian harm “near Mosul, Iraq”. According to the Coalition report, “12. March 1, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via social media report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes

Summary

First published
March 1, 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

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

March 13, 2017

Incident Code

CI539

LOCATION

Mosul, Mosul al-Jadid / New Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on November 30th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of civilian harm claims “near al Jadida, Iraq”. According to the Coalition report, “March 13, 2017, near al Jadida, Iraq: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is

Summary

First published
March 13, 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

March 18, 2017

Incident Code

CI558

LOCATION

Mosul, Nahrawan, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm “near Mosul, Iraq” via an NGO report. According to the Coalition report, “March 18, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via NGO report:After a review of available information it was assessed that

Summary

First published
March 18, 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

March 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS630

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Five civilians were killed and nine injured in Coalition strikes on Raqqa, according to a single source. According to Smart News, “Several sources told Smart Monday night that a number of civilians and elements of the Islamic State were killed and wounded by an aerial bombardment and by artillery of the International Coalition on the

Summary

First published
March 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2017

Incident Code

CI596

LOCATION

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, West / Right side, Nineveh, Iraq

Two sources reported that dozens of civilians were killed and wounded due to airstrikes and artillery shelling in several neighborhoods in West Mosul. Al Jiser Channel referred to Al Amaq [ISIL press agency] and said 43 died and 35 were injured. Yaqein said dozens died in airstrikes on the neighbourhoods of 17 July, Zanjili and

Summary

First published
March 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
43
Civilians reported injured
38
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

April 6, 2017

Incident Code

CS664

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Up to nine civilians died in an airstrike on Raqqa, local media said. According to the Smart News Agency, eight civilians died and 11 were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa. A local source told Smart that “the raids targeted the building of the Central Bank near the Bulman garage, south of the

Summary

First published
April 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
Civilians reported injured
10–11
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 11, 2017

Incident Code

CI629

LOCATION

الرسالة, Mosul, Resala, Nineveh, Iraq

A single source reported that two people were killed and nine others were injured due to unidentified shelling on Al-Resala neighborhood in West Mosul. Presently no further details are known.

Summary

First published
April 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident