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

December 10, 2016

Incident Code

CI367

LOCATION

Al Ashwa, Nineveh, Iraq

A Coalition or Iraq government airstrike on a vehicle killed one civilian and injured others, according to a Human Rights Watch investigation. According to HRW a strike on a vehicle at al Ashwa, 80 kilometres from Mosul in December 2016 killed one civilian named and wounded 11 others. It said the apparently unlawful attack, in

Summary

First published
December 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
11
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS486

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

A man named as Mohammad Fayez Bakour from Dabaa, Qusair in Homs was reported killed in a Coalition or US strike – though his status remains unclear. The VDC described Bakour as a civilian, and said he died in a Coalition strike. We Are Qusair Martyrs also noted “we announce the martyrdom of Mohammad Fayyez

Summary

First published
February 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

CI568

LOCATION

Mosul, Zerai, Nineveh, Iraq

The Coalition announced on June 2nd 2017 that it had killed a civilian in the al Zerai area of West Mosul. A senior government official unofficially informed Airwars that the strike was Belgian. According to the civilian casualty report, “March 21, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on an ISIS mortar position

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared 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
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2017

Incident Code

CI623

LOCATION

اليرموك, Mosul, Yarmouk, Nineveh, Iraq

A single source – the local Facebook group of the Jarjria tribe – said that a son of the family of Muhammad Daham Murad al-Jarjari from the village of Jasa was killed in an airstrike on Yarmouk neighbourhood in West Mosul. It was unclear from the report who carried out the strike. In its June

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS816

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Raqqa. The victim was named Naseem Mohammed Saeed al Salama and was from Al Quaryatayn in Homs governorate in east Syria. Only one source, the Violations Documentation Center in Syria, alleged that the Coalition was responsible. 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

June 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1021

LOCATION

القورية, Al Qouriya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One little girl was reportedly killed, according to the Syrian Press Center, and several other civilians were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Quoriya in Deir Ezzor. While that source was the only one to report a civilian fatality, all others reported that a number of civilians were wounded in the airstrikes. Syrian

Summary

First published
June 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 children)
Civilians reported injured
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1044

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One woman died in an alleged Assad regime or Coalition airstrike on the cultural centre in al Basira, local media reported. Multiple sources – blaming the US-led Coalition – identified the female victim. However, RFS News blamed regime aircraft, while others like Syrian PC did not identify the perpetrator. According to Deirezzor24, she died as a result

Summary

First published
June 20, 2017
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS1096

LOCATION

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a third event reported in Al Mayadin on June 26th, one female civilian was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory reported: “The SOHR also observed airstrikes, most likely carried out by the International Coalition warplanes, that targeted one of the headquarters of Suqur Al-Sahara

Summary

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

Incident date

July 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1174

LOCATION

شارع المنصور, Al Mansour Street, Raqqa, Syria

A young man was reported killed in artillery shelling on Al Mansour Street in Raqqa, according to local media. Sharqiya Voice blamed the SDF, though Airwars understands that only the Coalition has deployed artillery on Raqqa. In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: “After review of all available

Summary

First published
July 8, 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

July 13, 2017

Incident Code

CI810

LOCATION

المدينة القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq

A civilian Yazidi woman was reportedly killed following the bombardment of areas within Old Mosul. However, it was not immediately clear who was responsible. The victim from the village of Kuju and she is a sister of Catherine. Previously kidnapped by ISIS. Abather Altamimi reported that the woman was killed during shelling of the last

Summary

First published
July 13, 2017
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1319

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male died in a Coalition artillery bombardment or a mortar strike by the SDF in Raqqa, according to local media. Ar Raqqa Al a’ahlya reported that the victim bled to death from a shrapnel wound. Most sources blamed artillery for the man’s death. Airwars understands that only the Coalition has access to artillery

Summary

First published
August 2, 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 21, 2017

Incident Code

CS1402

LOCATION

Tawassouiya, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian, named as Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumair, was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to multiple local sources. There are no other details at this time. In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their reported noted: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more

Summary

First published
August 21, 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

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS1458

LOCATION

Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Euphrates Post documented the death of one unnamed civilian following airstrikes in Hatla. There is limited information about the incident, with no culprit currently held responsible. The single source referred only to “unidentified warplanes” with the victim reportedly dying after warplanes “targeted two cars carrying families.”

Summary

First published
September 9, 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 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

February 6, 2019

Incident Code

CS1896

LOCATION

الشحيل, Al Shahil - possibly Al-Khayasah neighborhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that an alleged Coalition airstrike targeted the house of Majid al-Salama in Al Shahil on the night of February 6th-7th. Baladi News blamed “US helicopters from the International Alliance, backed by high-flying jet fighters” for the airstrike. Other sources claim he was killed by gunfire. Three civilians were later admitted to have

Summary

First published
February 6, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Belligerents reported killed
0–1
View Incident

Incident date

January 25, 2015

Incident Code

CS047

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

The Syrian Martyrs website identified a single non-combatant victim of a reported Coalition strike in Aleppo.  He was also named by the Damascus Centre for Human Rights Research which said he was originally from Idlib, though didn’t specify if he was a civilian or a militant. However, all other sources described al Jolani as a

Summary

First published
January 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1194a

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. According to the report, “Abdallah

Summary

First published
July 12, 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, 1 familiy identified
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

October 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS332

LOCATION

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Syria

In a previously unknown incident, on December 1st, 2016 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm: “(12.) Oct. 6, 2016, near Aleppo, Syria: No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographical area.“ Airwars researchers have so far identified no known public allegations of civilians killed or

Summary

First published
October 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
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

January 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS439 RS1827

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Between 10 and 25 fighters of the militant group Fatah al Sham were killed – as well as a civilian policeman – and as many as six other people were injured, following an alleged airstrike in Saraqib. It is not clear whether or not the injured were civilians or members of Fatah al Sham. Sources are conflicted as

Summary

First published
January 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
0–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS451

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A civilian woman was killed following air raids by an unidentified belligerent on Raqqa city. According to LCCSY and other, “Mrs. Dalal Zare’ al Haj Ta’ama was martyred following raids on the city. The martyr is from Deir Ezzor province.”  

Summary

First published
January 20, 2017
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

Incident date

February 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS492

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

There were confused reports of the death of Abdel-Fattah al-Haj Hussein. While one source claimed he died in an airstrike while being held prisoner by ISIL, a second source said he died in a Turkish strike – with a third source claiming Mr Hussein died of natural causes. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered initially reported the

Summary

First published
February 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS648

LOCATION

سلحبية, Salhabiya, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Salhabiya and Gharbiya, according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported: “Coalition planes targeted trucks in the western village of Al Salhabiya, west of Raqqa, that were trying to open the road from Al Salhabiya to Al Raqqa after the flood of the

Summary

First published
March 30, 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
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS716

LOCATION

مدرسة البحتري, Tabaqah, al Bahrari school, Raqqa, Syria

According to the Smart News Agency, one civilian died and four others were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Bahtari school. One other source, the Free Syria Army, also attributed the incident to the Coalition. It noted that “A civilian was also killed and four others were wounded after an aerial bombardment of

Summary

First published
April 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2017

Incident Code

CI711

LOCATION

17 تموز, Mosul, July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq

Two local sources reported that heavy shelling with mortars, artillery and missiles hit the 17 July neighbourhood in West Mosul. The violence reportedly led to the death of Alaa Abdel Moneim Hussein al-Nuaimi – also called Abu ‘Ala – who was married and had three children. He died after a mortar landed on his house

Summary

First published
May 14, 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, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2017

Incident Code

CS1104

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, local sources reported. Both sources who reported the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible. No further details were available.

Summary

First published
June 27, 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

July 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1157

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A civilian male was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, local sources reported. Both sources who reported the death alleged that the Coalition was responsible. No further details are presently known.

Summary

First published
July 4, 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

July 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1241

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A 21 year-old man was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, according to local sources. Al Hasaka Rasd, Soheb1700 and Raqqa24 all blamed the Coalition for his death.

Summary

First published
July 20, 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

July 30, 2017

Incident Code

CS1300

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

The child, Yousef Haj Abdullah, was named as a victim of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, by multiple local sources. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
July 30, 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