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

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

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1645 RS2645

LOCATION

Abu Kamal, Al Masriya roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between eight and nine civilians died in an airstrike on the al Masriya roundabout in Abu Kamal, according to local media – though sources at the time were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia was responsible. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted:

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 9
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 23, 2017

Incident Code

CI784

LOCATION

المدينة القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an attack on Mosul’s Old City. Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS mortar position, it was assessed that two civilians, were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area after

Summary

First published
June 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1370

LOCATION

الرقة‎, near Raqqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an event near Raqqa. Their October 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a Coalition strike that engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed.” Airwars had

Summary

First published
August 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2017

Incident Code

CI683

LOCATION

الإصلاح الزراعي, Mosul, Islah al Zirai, Nineveh, Iraq

A newly married husband and wife were killed and two young children injured in an airstrike on al Islah al Zirae in West Mosul on May 3rd. The event was later confirmed to be an Australian action. Amnesty International provided the following field report to Airwars citing an eyewitness: “We were getting dressed to leave

Summary

First published
May 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman)
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 target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2018

Incident Code

CS1756

LOCATION

باغوز فوقاني, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to local sources, Coalition airstrikes and artillery shelling on the town of Al Baghouz led to the deaths of up to nine civilians, including two or three children. Coalition officials indicated to Airwars that it is likely that this incident matches one of the following concession of civilian harm. In their February 2019 press

Summary

First published
May 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2018

Incident Code

CS1875

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Shaafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

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

Summary

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

Incident date

July 10, 2016

Incident Code

CS256

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians were reported killed in Coalition strikes, including a woman and child. The US later admitted to two deaths in the attack, noting: “Manbij, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that two civilians were killed.” As Shaam News reported, “activists stressed that Syria democratic forces and elements of the

Summary

First published
July 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(1 child1 woman3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS968

LOCATION

نهر الفرات، الرقة, Euphrates river, Raqqa, Syria

Up to four civilians died when their boat was struck by the Coalition as they attempted to flee Raqqa, local media said. In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh barge. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed and 10

Summary

First published
June 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS432

LOCATION

السوا, Sawa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between five and 40 civilians reportedly died following a Coalition airstrike at al Sa’wa, according to local sources. The Coalition later confirmed killing just two civilians. According to Step News, “international coalition planes targeted last night oil terminal wells near the town of Al Sa’awa in the western countryside with dozens of air strikes, killing

Summary

First published
January 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 40
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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

February 28, 2017

Incident Code

CI496

LOCATION

نابلس, Mosul, Nablous, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an event near Mosul. Their July 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS VBIED factory, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed.” The Coalition provided Airwars with

Summary

First published
February 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 12, 2015

Incident Code

CI058

LOCATION

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

Internal monitoring by the Coalition initially identified two possible civilian casualties from an airstrike at Hawijah. The attack, on a High Value target code-named ANDERS MESA, was carried out by an A-10 Warthog. According to a CENTCOM report declassified in September 2015, “2 civilians unseen in the collateral calls may have been killed or injured

Summary

First published
April 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2016

Incident Code

CI283

LOCATION

الرمادي, Ramadi, Al Anbar, Iraq

In a previously unreported incident, the US admitted three months later that it had killed two civilians in an attack on Ramadi, noting that near Ramadi, Iraq, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that two civilians were killed. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
August 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2015

Incident Code

CI112

LOCATION

الرمادي, Ramadi, Al Anbar, Iraq

A single source claimed that two civilians died after “the alliance air force shelled civilian homes in Ramadi.” No other details were given. On July 7th, 2017 the Coalition admitted responsibility for the incident, reporting: “Sep. 25, 2015, near Ramadi, Iraq, via Airwars report: During strikes on an ISIS fighting positions, it was assessed that

Summary

First published
September 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

CI595

LOCATION

Mosul, Matahin, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of seven civilians in an event in the al Matahin neighbourhood in western Mosul. The June 2017 civilian casualty report noted “During a strike on an ISIS headquarters, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

January 9, 2017

Incident Code

CI409

LOCATION

Mosul, Baladiyat / Al Sukkar, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an event in northeast Mosul. The event was later confirmed as a British airstrike. In its May 2018 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: “During a strike which destroyed Daesh vehicle-borne improvised explosive device used to attack

Summary

First published
January 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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 target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

May 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS809

LOCATION

Khirbat Farms, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an airstrike near the hamlets of Khirbat farms and Ruhayyat in Raqqa province. Their August 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS VBIED, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that two civilians,

Summary

First published
May 12, 2017
Last updated
March 9, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS1353

LOCATION

Hurriyah, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians. In January 2018, their monthly civilian casualty report noted “During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they inadvertently crossed into the area of

Summary

First published
August 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2014

Incident Code

CS019

LOCATION

حارم, Harim, Idlib, Syria

Six months after US air raids had targeted the Khorasan Group (part of the al-Nusra Front) and the militant group Ahrar al-Sham, the Coalition conceded that two children had “likely” died in the attack – the first public concession of any civilian deaths after 4,000 airstrikes against ISIS over nine months. The November 5th US-only

Summary

First published
November 6, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(2–6 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
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 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1279

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between nine and 11 civilians – many from the same family- died and dozens more were injured in airstrikes on Abu Kamal, local media reported. While most reports pointed towards the US-led Coalition, a number did not identify the warplanes responsible, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it was unclear whether the

Summary

First published
July 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(1–5 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–25
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
9 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2018

Incident Code

CS1780

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to thirteen civilians were allegedly killed when Coalition aircraft struck two or more houses in al Soussa, local sources reported. In September 2019, the Coalition’s monthly civilian casualty report noted: “In Deir ez-Zor, Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh explosive factory. Regrettably, two civilians were unintentionally killed as a

Summary

First published
July 16, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 13
(1 child1 woman)
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 target
ISIS
Named victims
11 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 26, 2016

Incident Code

CI352

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians near Mosul. Their January 2017 civilian casualty report noted “During a strike on ISIL fighters and a technical vehicle it is assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast.” A senior official later informed Airwars

Summary

First published
November 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

CI591a

LOCATION

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Al Zanjili, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an event near Mosul. Their June 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS command and control node and VBIED staging position, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS827

LOCATION

الماكف, Al Makef, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians died in a Coalition airstrike on the Al Makef area of Raqqa, according to local sources. The Coalition later confirmed responsibility for the deaths. In July 2018, the Coalition conceded it had caused civilian harm in this strike: “During a strike on Daesh fighting positions and supply routes, two civilians were unintentionally killed.”

Summary

First published
May 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2017

Incident Code

CI832

LOCATION

تل عفر, Tal Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an incident near Tal Afar, Iraq. Their January 2018 civilian casualty report noted “During a Coalition strike which killed at least two ISIS members and destroyed an ISIS indirect fire weapon system being prepared to fire it

Summary

First published
August 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2018

Incident Code

CS1786a

LOCATION

near Ash Shajlah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later conceded the deaths of two civilians in an event near Ash Shajlah, Syria. The Pentagon later said this was a US action. In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted “Coalition aircraft conducted a strike against a Daesh staging area. Regrettably, two

Summary

First published
August 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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 target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

January 5, 2019

Incident Code

CS1883a

LOCATION

المرشدة, Marishidah, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an event previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians and the injury of another near Marishidah, Syria. This was later declared to be a US-only civilian harm event. In its July 2019 monthly civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted the following: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against

Summary

First published
January 5, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2017

Incident Code

CI715a

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an event near Mosul. Their April 2018 civilian casualty report noted: “It was assessed that during a Coalition strike against an ISIS commander, ISIS headquarters and VBIED operation which destroyed the VBIED operation, two civilians were unintentionally

Summary

First published
May 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS1006

LOCATION

مدرسة خالد بن وليد, Ar Raqqah: Near Khaled Bin Waled school, Raqqa, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians during a day of heavy air and artillery fire on Raqqa. Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on an ISIS mortar position, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed by secondary explosions.”

Summary

First published
June 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1083

LOCATION

بقرص تحتاني, Bokrus Tahtani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A mother and her daughter were killed and seven others were injured in airstrikes in Bokrus Tahtani in eastern Deir Ezzor, local sources reported, but it was contested who was responsible. The victims were identified as a 34-year-old woman, who is the wife of Mohammed Abdullah al Kardoush, and their 16-year-old daughter. The couple is

Summary

First published
June 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident