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

May 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS835

LOCATION

هنيدة, Hunaida, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male died in an alleged Coalition airstrikes on Hunaida, according to local sources. According to Step News “The international coalition aircraft targeted the outskirts of Heneida town in the western Raqqa countryside with several air raids.” Reports said that he died when his home was struck. In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this

Summary

First published
May 18, 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

May 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS857

LOCATION

حمرة ناصر, Hamra Nasser, Raqqa, Syria

At least 10 civilians were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Hamra Nasser village, according to local source Ahmad al Shibli. Al Hassaka Rasd reported that “international coalition planes carried out a massacre in Hamra Nasser killing the family of Hamoud al Ali al Issa in its entirety”. According to RFS, “The SDF forces took

Summary

First published
May 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS883

LOCATION

القورية, Qorya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to three civilians including a woman and her two children died in an airstrike on Qorya, according to local media. While most sources attributed the incident to the Coalition, two reports alleged that Russia carried out strikes in the area, leading to the injury of several non-combatants. Euphrates Post and other sources blamed the

Summary

First published
May 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children0–1 women)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2017

Incident Code

CS907

LOCATION

حاوي الهوى, Hawi al Hawa, Raqqa, Syria

Between five and eight non-combatants died in a casualty event in Hawi al Hawa, local media said – though reports were conflicted as to whether the cause of death was a Coalition airstrike or artillery shelling by the US or SDF. According to the Smart News Agency, “Coalition forces raided the village of Hawi al-Hawa,

Summary

First published
June 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS963

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Between four and five civilians died and another six were wounded in Coalition airstrikes and an artillery bombardment on Raqqa, according to local sources. According to Shaam, “Violent battles continue in and around the city of Raqqa between the state organization [IS] and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), during which the SDF was able to

Summary

First published
June 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
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

June 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS995

LOCATION

جامع الصفا, Dar’iya neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

Initially this incident was reported on by several sources as an alleged airstrike or artillery shelling in the Dar’iya neighbourhood in the city of Raqqa, in which 1 or 2 cilivilians died. During investigations of this event for the April 2019 joint Airwars and Amnesty report War in Raqqa: Rethoric versus Reality (www.raqqa.amnesty.org), Amnesty field

Summary

First published
June 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child3 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS1025

LOCATION

الزعير, Al Zaer, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed in an airstrike on Al Za’er village in Deir Ezzor, but it was not clear who was responsible, Smart News Agency reported. As the local agency noted, “The activist Mohammed Hassan, who relies on information from local sources said, that unidentified warplanes launched raids on the village, which led to

Summary

First published
June 18, 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

June 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1075

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Ma’adan, Raqqa, local sources reported. Euphrates Post and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently identified the victim by name. Al Ragga Truth reported that a total of 15 strikes took place and several sources shared images of some of the destruction – which included the

Summary

First published
June 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2017

Incident Code

CI789

LOCATION

الموصل: غرب, Mosul, West, Nineveh, Iraq

Several local sources reported that a family of five was killed and one of the sons – a 4-year-old boy – severely injured after alleged Coalition airstrikes on their house in West Mosul (exact location presently unknown). Iraqi Spring Media Center quoted MP Riabar Taha of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), who reported the

Summary

First published
June 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1139

LOCATION

جامع الصفا, near the Al-Safa Mosque, Al Dar'ia, Raqqa, Syria

Sources reported that up to 18 civilians, including several women and children, were killed in alleged Coalition air and artillery strikes on the Al Dar’yra neighbourhood of Raqqa, near the Al Safa Mosque. All 18 sources reporting the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible. A number of the dead were buried under the rubble

Summary

First published
July 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 14
(3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1189

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Two women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on their home in Raqqa, according to local sources. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
July 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
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

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1217

LOCATION

جديد عكيدات, Jadid akeidat, near water plant, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported the death of two civilians and the injuring of several more in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Jadid Akeidat village. According to RFS, two male civilians died in the Coalition strike and two other civilians were wounded. The source said that the strike hit a civilian house on the outskirts of the

Summary

First published
July 17, 2017
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

Incident date

July 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1251 RS2357

LOCATION

لصبخاوي, Sabkhawi, Raqqa, Syria

At least two civilians including one child died during a night time airstrike on Sabkhawi, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were responsible. Smart, the Shaam News Network and R.Tahrir.Alsham blamed the Coalition for the strike. However, Baladi, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and

Summary

First published
July 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 children)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1283

LOCATION

شارع تل ابيض, Tal Abyad street, Raqqa, Syria

Sharqiya Voice reported a “massacre due to an aerial bombardment by the international coalition onTal Abyad Street, killing eight civilians and wounding dozens”. Alraqqa_ahlna and AlhasakaArabia blamed a Coalition airstrike for the deaths. However, Freedom_raqqa1 reported that “mortar shells” landed in Tal Abyad street, while P_center_sy1 blamed SDF mortar shells for the death and injury

Summary

First published
July 27, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS1310

LOCATION

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

According to SANA on August 1st, the official Syrian news agency, “US coalition planes killed 60 civilians in raids on villages and towns in the eastern suburb of Deir al-Zour during the past few hours.” However, Euphrates Post “noted that the news reported by the media of the regime is totally untrue”.

Summary

First published
July 31, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
60
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

August 6, 2017

Incident Code

CS1337

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian died in an air or artillery or mortar strike in Raqqa, according to local media – though it was unclear who was to blame. However, Sharqiya Voice, Al Hadath News Agency and Syrian Press Center said that Shihab al-Din Zidan al-Azzawi died as a result of mortar shelling. Airwars understands that the SDF

Summary

First published
August 6, 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

August 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1422

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was reported killed following the “bombing of Raqqa city”. The specific location of the incident is presently unknown. One of the sources, Ahmed Shbili, identified the “International Coalition” as the culprits, while other sources only referred to the general bombardment of the city.

Summary

First published
August 27, 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

September 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1450

LOCATION

Firdous, Raqqa, Syria

Step News Agency reported that 17 civilians died in a Coalition strike on a five-storey residential building in Al Firdous street. According to Nhadshmot and 24 Raqqa, the Coalition “targeted the National Hospital area”. No names have been linked to this event to date, and no addiitonal details are presently known.

Summary

First published
September 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
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 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1476 RS2434

LOCATION

Khisham town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local reports documented four civilians killed in airstrikes on Khisham town,13 kilometres east of Deir Ghaza, eastern Deir Ezzor. Euphrates Post referred to “warplanes” and alleged that they targeted “the house of Awad al-Azar in the town of Khisham, opposite the divider, killing four people and wounding many civilians yesterday evening”, though they did not

Summary

First published
September 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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
View Incident

Incident date

September 18, 2017

Incident Code

CI849

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq

Civilian casualties were reported following air raids and/or artillery strikes on the district of Qaim, in the west of Anbar province. Yaqin first reported US occupation heavy artillery shelling on areas of the Anbar, coinciding with the continued displacement of families in the absence of food and medicine. A second Yaqin report alleged civilian casualties

Summary

First published
September 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

September 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1530

LOCATION

السمرة, Al Raqqah Samra, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources reported that civilians died following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on sites near al Raqqa al Samra district. Subsequent reports documented the death of Hajj Abdullah Ali al-Khalaf al-Mqtash (pictured), with all sources considered the US-led Coalition to be the culprit. Qasioun asserted that a “number of civilians died and more were wounded” after

Summary

First published
September 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1556

LOCATION

طابية جزيرة, Tabiyyah Jazeera, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local leader Thalj Ragheb Al-Humaidi Al-Salman was killed in airstrikes on Tabiyyah Jazeera village, according to multiple local sources. He was Mukhtar of the village and Sheikh of the Burmah clan. It is not presently clear who was responsible as no source apportioned blame – all but one referred to “shelling”. Airwars will amend the

Summary

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

October 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS1590

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

The entire family of Nour Mahmoud Al I’llo (pictured), reportedly died following aerial bombardment on the city of Raqqah, according to Raqqa is being Slaughtered Silently. The report added that Nour was transferred from Raqqah to Tal Abiyad National Hospital, and was under the care of Dr Abdul Muttalib Suleiman. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently

Summary

First published
October 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
Civilians reported injured
1
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

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1622

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media named two civilians as killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. The date of the incident is currently unclear: reporting on October 14th, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently said that the victims died “during the past few days”. Raqqa Media Office and SHRC reported their deaths on October 15th, also saying that

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS1650

LOCATION

الدرعية, Diriyah, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported one adult male was killed in an alleged airstrike. It blamed the Coalition for his death, and said he had died almost a month previously. Raqqa24, reporting the death on October 25th, said that the victim died “a few days ago” – possibly indicating that he had died from his

Summary

First published
September 30, 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

November 21, 2017

Incident Code

CS1680

LOCATION

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Euphrates Post reported “the death of the daughter of Saleh al-Zaker from the city of Abu Kamal due to a heart attack caused by the panic and fear of flying warplanes at low altitude over the city of Hajeen.” No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
November 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 children)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 10, 2018

Incident Code

CS1712

LOCATION

الحمدان, Al Hamdan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to Free Deir Ezzor, there were “a number of wounded in the village of Hamdan” following Coalition airstrikes. Both Al Bukamal Mutassil al Aan and Souriyati reported that seven civilians were wounded in al Hamdan and also pointed towards the Coalition. No additional details are presently known for this event.

Summary

First published
January 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
7–5
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

April 13, 2018

Incident Code

CS1742

LOCATION

Damascus, Syria

According to a single source, four civilians were killed in US-led bombardments on Al Barzah Scientific Research Facility in Damascus. The strikes – confirmed as carried out by US, British and French aircraft – were not mentioned in the Coalition strike report for the week, indicating that these may have been unilateral actions. Al Sura

Summary

First published
April 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 2018

Incident Code

CS1773

LOCATION

تل الجاير, Tal al Jair, Al Hassakah, Syria

According to Marsad al Hassaka and An Eye on al Hassaka, two young men were killed and three others were injured (two severely) in a mortar shelling on the village of Tal al Jair by “Kurdish units”. According to both sources, all five civilians harmed were from the same family. It is important to note

Summary

First published
June 16, 2018
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 belligerents
Syrian Democratic Forces, US-led Coalition
View Incident