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, 2016

Incident Code

CS316

LOCATION

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

A reported drone strike at al Tabaqa “led to the martyrdom of Ibrahim Mahmoud al Said and the injury of a woman and two children,” according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered. ISIL claimed the drone was American. VDC also named the victim, though said the aircraft as ‘unidentified’. The Syrian Network reported that “Fixed-wing international

Summary

First published
September 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

January 21, 2017

Incident Code

CS452

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian died and six were injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Tabaqa, according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS) said that the Coalition launched raids “targeting the areas of the coach station and the market leading to the fall of a number of civilian wounded.” Step also blamed the Coalition,

Summary

First published
January 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

March 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS581

LOCATION

سد الفرات, Euphrates Dam, Raqqa, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike at the Euphrates Dam near al Tabaqa reportedly killed one named civilian worker. According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, “an air raid launched by the international coalition yesterday on the area around the Euphrates Dam in al Tabaqa killing Hamidi al Abd al Majid al Nayef one of the employees at

Summary

First published
March 16, 2017
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

June 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1098

LOCATION

عياش, Ayyash, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian male was identified as killed and two others were injured in “cluster bombs” on the town of Ayyash, local sources reported, however it was not clear who was responsible. The Syrian Observatory of Human Rights and Free Deir Ezzor both reported that the strikes consisted of four raids. None of the four sources

Summary

First published
June 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1259

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was killed in an airstrike on Raqqa according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. Ahmad Shibli, Hasaka Rasd and @alhasakaalhadth blamed the Coalition for the victims death. However, according to Baladi, he was killed in a Russia strike. This

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1291

LOCATION

ميادين, Mayadin, Al Masaken, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died and several others were wounded in airstrikes on Al Mayadin, according to local media – though it is unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. According to Euphrates Post, “The International Alliance launched several air raids around 7am targeting the Al Masaken area near the mosque of Othman bin

Summary

First published
July 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1387

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One man named Mohammed Khair Chalwan was killed in an alleged airstrike on Raqqa, according to local media. Ahmad Shbli directly blamed the Coalition for his death, while other sources referred to an “aerial bombardment”.  

Summary

First published
August 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(24–1 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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1419

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A male civilian was killed as a result of US-led Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, local media reported. All tracked sources held the US-led Coalition responsible, referring to “bombing by International Coalition aircraft”. Airwars has limited information on the location of the incident.

Summary

First published
August 26, 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

October 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1584

LOCATION

Jadida Akeidat, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian was reported killed following airstrikes on Jadid Akeidat, 20km east of Deir Ezzor on the northern bank of the Euphrates River. Smart described the incident as “similar” to attacks carried out in the same governorate during a 24 hour period, by “Russian-made warplanes”. There is limited information on the incident, and Airwars will

Summary

First published
October 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1685

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child died in a casualty event in Al Baghouz, according to local media. The Al Sharq al Souri agency reported on November 28th that the victim died from wounds sustained by an artillery shell in the village of Al-Baghouz two days ago. The Syrian Human Rights Committee also blamed an artillery shell for the child’s

Summary

First published
November 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 19, 2018

Incident Code

CS1843

LOCATION

حويزية, Huweiziya village, al Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria

According to local sources, 13-year-old Ali Matar al-Hammad was killed by a cluster bomb that was left behind after previous bombing on the village of Hweiziyah in rural Shaddadi, south of Hasaka. Several sources including Step News Agency blamed the Coalition.  However according to a number of tweets from amongst others @Syria_News5 and @SyriaNewsNetwrk, the cluster bomb was

Summary

First published
November 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
View Incident

Incident date

August 6, 2017

Incident Code

CS1341a

LOCATION

مرقدا, Near Markada, Al Hassakah, Syria

In an event previously untracked by Airwars, in November 2018 the Coalition confirmed the death of a civilian in a strike 15 months previously. The assessment noted the following: “On Aug. 06, 2017, near Marqadah, al-Shadadi, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft struck an ISIS truck that had just attacked U.S. forces with rockets. While the

Summary

First published
August 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2018

Incident Code

CS1715a

LOCATION

البحرة, Barah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Barah. The UK later confirmed this was an RAF strike. In its February 2019 report, the Coalition noted: “Coalition aircraft engaged an ISIS fighter operating a motorcycle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as

Summary

First published
January 20, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
Suspected target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2015

Incident Code

CS106

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Damascus Centre for Human Rights Studies, reported that Ahmad al Awad had died in what was described as a Coalition strike at Bukamal. While single source, a Coalition attack was confirmed in the vicinity in daily reports at the time. In its civilian casualty report for October 2019 – published on

Summary

First published
July 25, 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

November 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS362

LOCATION

خنيز السلمان, Khaniz al Salman, Raqqa, Syria

Several outlets reported the death of a man from Coalition strikes. RBSS and Shaam News Network reported the death of a civilian “driver” who was operating a tractor when the vehicle was targeted by a Coalition strike.  

Summary

First published
November 7, 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Incident Code

CS397

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian in Raqqa. Their January 2017 civilian casualty reported noted “During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that one civilian pedestrian was unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast.” In July 2019, the Coalition

Summary

First published
November 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS624

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Smart news agency reported that “warplanes likely to be from the Coalition carried out two raids in Mashlab and Rumaila neighbourhoods, killing a civilian and wounding seven more. Additionally, two members of IS were killed when their car was targeted.” The source didn’t identify the warplanes. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS817

LOCATION

منطقة الصوامع, Silos area, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Raqqa governorate. Al Ragga Truth and Raqqa News named the victim as 23-year-old Fadi Qaher al Nashef and both alleged that the Coalition was responsible. Sources said that the Coalition bombed the grain silos area. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
May 13, 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

May 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS881

LOCATION

جامع الفواز, Fawwaz Mosque, Raqqa, Syria

According to Al Araby, “a civilian was killed as a result of renewed artillery shelling of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units on al-Fawaz mosque area, in conjunction with battles.” Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently named the victim as Muhammad al-Taqi but didn’t say who was responsible for his death. In July 2018 the US-led alliance

Summary

First published
May 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1173 RS2327

LOCATION

الموحسن, Muhassan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman possibly died in an airstrike on Mohsen village, according to local media – though it’s currently unclear who was responsible for her death. None of the sources specifically blamed the Coalition, with many referring only to “warplanes” carrying out strikes on the Al-Zaeem roundabout and the perimeter of Al-Wasat School. However, Tt1463000 said

Summary

First published
July 8, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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

July 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1205

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported airstrike near the Crescent hospital in al Baghouz. According to Euphrates Post, a girl was killed and a woman and old man injured. The source didn’t identify the culprit. Other sources reported Coalition strikes in the vicinity but did not report civilian casualties. According to Shaam News the target of the attack

Summary

First published
July 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1238

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A woman was killed and her son was injured following alleged SDF shelling into Raqqa, local sources reported. The deceased woman was identified as the wife of Hamza Mohammed al Fahd and her injured son was identified as Mohammed al Fahd. Al Sokhna claimed Mrs al Fahd’s unnamed daughter was injured. Both sources alleged that

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1270

LOCATION

الفردوس, Fardous, Raqqa, Syria

A girl was killed following alleged artillery fire into the Al Fardous district of Raqqa, a number of local sources reported. The majority of the sources that reported the incident alleged that SDF militias were responsible, however Airwars is aware that only the Coalition has access to artillery fire therefore if this munition was in

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1302

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A 14-year-old boy died following an injury sustained in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to local sources. Revolution Coordination Committee in Palmyra reported “the martyrdom of the child Mohammed Ali Hassan Taha (14 years old), displaced from Palmyra, died following being injured by a shell from the bombing of the international coalition on the

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

August 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1334

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

An adult male civilian was reported killed by multiple local sources. The cause of death was somewhat conflicted. Seven of the eleven sources attribute the attack to a landmine, whilst others cited the use of artillery. Airwars understands that only the US-led Coalition have access to artillery in Raqqa. In a post from Ar Raqqa

Summary

First published
August 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1366

LOCATION

چراكسة, Jaraksa, Raqqa, Syria

The death of Muhammad Nur Ahmad al-Yassin al-Suwayha was documented by multiple local sources. All sources blamed the US-led Coalition for this civilian fatality. This event might or might not be related to the two events in which the Coalition conceded having caused civilian harm (See CS1370 and CS1371).

Summary

First published
August 12, 2017
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

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

CS1728

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to a single source, alleged Coalition strikes on the city of Hajin killed one civilian and injured seven others. The report from Al Hal News stated that in addition to damaging houses, the bombardment “led to the death of a young man and the wounding of seven others”. Although Airwars researchers did not identify

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1697a

LOCATION

هجين, near Hajin, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of one civilian near Hajin. In its March 2018 report, the Coalition noted: “During a coalition strike which killed a known high-level ISIS member a civilian scooter inadvertently crossed into the strike area and it is assessed that one civilian was

Summary

First published
December 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1418a

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, one civilian was reportedly killed in alleged Coalition artillery strike 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 stated that “Ousama

Summary

First published
August 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Artillery
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

February 6, 2015

Incident Code

CS052

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A Jordanian airstrike against an “ISIL weapons compound” – in coordination with the US military – allegedly killed US aid worker and hostage Kayla Mueller, along with up to 30 militants from Islamic State. The US later said that “with the information that we have there’s no evidence of civilians in the target area prior

Summary

First published
February 6, 2015
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