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 15, 2016

Incident Code

CS313 RS1266

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what was widely reported as a Russian action, at least 27 civilians died and more than 70 were injured following airstrikes on Al Mayadeen. Almost all sources including Daesh blamed Russia. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered said 6 Russian planes carried out 20 strikes between them, including on a children’s playground. Shaam News added

Summary

First published
September 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
27 – 40
(9 children4–8 women)
Civilians reported injured
70
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
24 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2016

Incident Code

CS311

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya [exact location], Deir Ezzor, Syria

Heavy airstrikes were reported, with Step News noting that “Coalition planes bombed al Salhiya near al Bukamal, targeting a bridge that links the area of al Duweir with other areas of Deir Ezzor. They also targeted al Ashayer village east of Deir Ezzor.” No mention was made of casualties. Beloved Al Salhiya also posted a

Summary

First published
September 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 children)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2016

Incident Code

CS312

LOCATION

معيزيلة, M’eizileh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between two and four civilians including a child died when a water tanker was struck in Coalition strikes at M’eizileh, according to multiple reports. VDC named two of the victims who it said died as a result of warplane shelling by international forces. The reported fatalities may have been confused with reports at nearby al

Summary

First published
September 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 13, 2016

Incident Code

CS310

LOCATION

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria

Three civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a civilian vehicle near Shadadah. According to the Syrian Observatory, “A man and a woman [were] killed by coalition airstrikes in Shadadi countryside.” Al Jisr TV reported “martrys and wounded following the targeting by Coalition planes of a car carrying them south of the

Summary

First published
September 13, 2016
Last updated
March 24, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1–2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2016

Incident Code

CS309

LOCATION

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria

In a previously unknown civilian casualty incident, CENTCOM reported on September 13th that civilians may have been killed or injured after a non-ISIL vehicle strayed into a strike kill box. “On Sep. 12, near Ash Shaddadah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, what appeared to be a non-military vehicle drove into the target

Summary

First published
September 12, 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

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

CS307

LOCATION

المزيونة, Mazyoneh, Aleppo, Syria

The VDC listed a 33 year old civilian male as a victim of alleged coalition warplane shelling. His name was given as Taha al Afara. According to Manbij Mother of all the World, Tahal al Afara was killed and “his two brothers Khalaf and Hassan wounded in a coalition strike on his brother’s home in

Summary

First published
September 10, 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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

CS308

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Five to six civilians died when a Coalition drone strike targeted a car allegedly belonging to members of Deash in the al Jameli neighborhood of Raqqa, according to local sources. CENTCOM later conceded that “near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that five civilians were killed.” The Syrian

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 woman4 men)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS306

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, CENTCOM reported on 13 September 2016 that non-combatants may have been killed or injured after a non-ISIL vehicle strayed into a strike kill box. “In a strike on Sep. 7, near Dayz Az Zawr, Syria, on an ISIL target, what appeared to be a non-military vehicle drove

Summary

First published
September 7, 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

September 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS305

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

A single source, Halaab News, named the child Zuheir Mohammad al Maghrabi as having been killed in an alleged Coalition raid on Manbij. No further details are currently available. In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that

Summary

First published
September 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

August 31, 2016

Incident Code

CS304

LOCATION

تلحوذان, Tal Houdan, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians were reported killed in the village of Tal Housan, in what Halab Today said was “a result of Coalition aerial bombing and the artillery of democratic forces; and the bombing by Daesh of a car on the outskirts of the village.” Fierce clashes between ISIL and US proxies the SDF were reported in

Summary

First published
August 31, 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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2016

Incident Code

CS303

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Besera, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Syrian Observatory reported that 6 civilians died and 25 were injured when an alleged Coalition strike hit an internet cafe in the town of al-Besera. However in response to a query from Airwars, the Coalition stated that “We can confirm there were no coalition strikes at the location you have indicated. Per our strike

Summary

First published
August 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
20–25
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2016

Incident Code

CS300 TS002

LOCATION

جب الكوسا, Jeb el Kussa, Aleppo, Syria

Twenty people were reported killed and 50 injured after clashes at Jeb el Kussa, south of Jarabulus. According to Al Alam “these people fell during battles between militants and extremist groups backed by Turkey and the so-called “democratic forces of Syria” and armed groups backed by America. The Syrian Observatory confirmed casualties in the ranks of

Summary

First published
August 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
50
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

August 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS1193 CS302

LOCATION

الادخار, Raqqa: Al Idkhar, Raqqa, Syria

Between five and nine civilians including one child died and up to 20 more were wounded in airstrikes on Al Idkhar neighbourhood of Raqqa, according to sources on the ground – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia, the Assad regime of the US-led Coalition was responsible. Several reports said that strikes occurred near

Summary

First published
August 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(1 child2 men)
Civilians reported injured
20
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
Russian Military, US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 25, 2016

Incident Code

CS301

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

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

Summary

First published
August 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS299

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

The United States self-reported that one of its airstrikes in the vicinity of Raqqa may have killed civilians. The incident appears to correlate with a number of reported attacks on the city that day. In a press release issued August 24th, CENTCOM noted: “A strike yesterday on an ISIL weapons facility near Ar Raqqah, Syria,

Summary

First published
August 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

August 20, 2016

Incident Code

CS298

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, CENTCOM later confirmed the death of a civilian in an attack on Manbij. Their November 2016 civilian casualty report noted: “during a strike against an ISIL artillery firing position, it is assessed that one civilian was killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its

Summary

First published
August 20, 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

August 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS296

LOCATION

لقطة, La'ata, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilian males were killed in Coalition strikes at La’ata. The US later admitted responsibility, noting: “Near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that two civilians were killed.” According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, dawn air raids targeted four houses in the village: “These homes were expropriated by Daesh

Summary

First published
August 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS297

LOCATION

خان طومان, Khan Touman, Aleppo, Syria

There were reports that the Coalition or possibly Russia destroyed the Khan Tuman bridge south of Aleppo city in a night time raid. Casualties were reported among civilians, which one source said amounted to ‘dozens.’ Al Jazeera cited armed opposition sources as saying that “international Coalition aircraft destroyed the vital Khan Tuman bridge, causing deaths

Summary

First published
August 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2016

Incident Code

CS295

LOCATION

غرة صغير, Ghirra Sgheer, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilian brothers were killed in the village of Ghirra Sgheer south of Manbij. While most reports blamed a mine explosion, some sources claimed the deaths were caused by a Coalition strike. Manbij Mother of All The World and Aleppo 24 both blamed a mine on the deaths. Retreating ISIL forces had littered villages and towns

Summary

First published
August 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
2 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

August 11, 2016

Incident Code

CS293

LOCATION

ذيبان‬, Ziban, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Coalition airstrikes on ‘ISIL oil tankers’ reportedly resulted in the death of a civilian driver and the injuring of others. In September 2020, the Coalition admitted that a strike had been conducted on August 11th 2016 against Daesh equipment, killing one civilian and injuring at least one other. According to the Syrian Observatory, “Coalition warplanes

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
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 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS1122 CS292

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In a major civilian casualty event, between 13 and 30 civilians were killed and up to 70 more injured from airstrikes from either a Russian or a Coalition strike on al Idkhar neighbourhood in Raqqa City. Both belligerents report bombing in the area. Raqaa is Being Slaughtered initially reported on the morning of August 11th:

Summary

First published
August 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 30
(3 children1–2 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
13–70
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, US-led Coalition
Named victims
10 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2016

Incident Code

CS291

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

There were claims that two children died in northern Manbij as a result of Coalition strikes, though few specific details have emerged. The originator of the story may have been Al A’Amaq (ISIL’s news arm) which reported: “Urgent: two children killed following a US raid on north of Manbij city.” According to Shaam News, “very

Summary

First published
August 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS290

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

As the battle for Manbij reached its final stages, so-called Islamic State claimed that Coalition aircraft had committed a ‘massacre’ of civilians in the town. However, most sources reported that ISIL was forcibly trapping civilians in the town, and using them as human shields. In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed

Summary

First published
August 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS289

LOCATION

التنك, Al Tanak oil field, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Seven civilian fuel truck drivers were killed and two more injured following what appeared to have been multiple Coalition strikes in the vicinity of Al Tanak. The Coalition confirmed destroying 83 oil tankers that day – though it would be five years before it publicly admitted civilian harm resulting from the event. Deir Ezzor 24

Summary

First published
August 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(7 men)
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

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

CS288

LOCATION

الراطونية, Al Ratouniya, Aleppo, Syria

A reported Coalition strike in the Jazeera roundabout area of al Ratouniya village was said to have killed a 27-year old local named as Ziab the son of Obeid al Ziab. According to the Manbij Documentation Agency the body was recovered three days later: “The young man Ziab the son of Obeid al Ziab from

Summary

First published
August 3, 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

July 31, 2016

Incident Code

CS287

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of a civilian in an attack on Manbij. Their November 2016 civilian casualty report noted: “during a strike against ISIL fighters, it is assessed that one civilian was injured after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon.” In

Summary

First published
July 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2016

Incident Code

CS285

LOCATION

الغندورة, Al Ghandoura, Aleppo, Syria

At least 22 civilians were killed in a Coalition airstrike on the village of al Ghandourra. According to Syria Newsdesk, the noon strikes hit the main market and the elementary school in the town, which was occupied by so-called ISIL. The US later admitted to inadvertently killing 15 civilians in the incident, claiming that “the

Summary

First published
July 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
22 – 41
(3–10 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
25–40
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
19 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 28, 2016

Incident Code

CS286

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Five or more civilians including three women were reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike in the al Rabita street area of Manbij town, scene of fierce ground clashes between ISIL occupiers and assaulting SDF forces. According to al Tokhar al Kabil, “members of the Karissli family have been martyred. They are Firyal Karissli and

Summary

First published
July 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(3 women1 man)
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
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

CS283

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians was reported killed and injured, after Coalition aircraft allegedly struck a four storey building. According to Manbij Direct “Today the house of, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Naimi was bombed. It is on al Bizar road near Omar Hajjo school, the former HQ for the al Karama battalion. A remarkable thing happened according

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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