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

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 15, 2016

Incident Code

CI277

LOCATION

الثقافية, Mosul, Cultural District, Nineveh, Iraq

In a second alleged Coalition event in Mosul for the day, between 7 and 13 civilians reportedly died with 35 or more injured, after the Tamatim food distribution building was hit in the city. NRN, which published graphic photos, reported the fall of more than 48 civilians in the bombing by the Coalition in Mosul.

Summary

First published
August 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 13
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
35–39
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

August 15, 2016

Incident Code

CI276

LOCATION

الموصل, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Four civilians were reported killed and 24 injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Mosul, as the battle for the ISIL-occupied city intensified. No additional details are presently known. See the following report. In the second of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in

Summary

First published
August 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

CI275

LOCATION

القيارة, Qayyarah, Nineveh, Iraq

A number of sources reported that six non-combatants including two children died, in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a vehicle-borne IED factory in Qayyarah. The Coalition conceded the event two years later. According to Qayyarah News at the time, the airstrike destroyed an ISIS facility which contained two vehicles already packed with explosives. The resulting

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children1 woman3 men)
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
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 4, 2016

Incident Code

CI274

LOCATION

بعويزة, Mosul, Baweiza, Nineveh, Iraq

An alleged Coalition airstrike in the Baoizh area of Mosul (or Bo’weza) reportedly killed a female child and injured four other civilians. According to NRN News, a Coalition strike killed a number of Daesh militants but also killed a number of civilians, including a little girl who died under the rubble.  

Summary

First published
August 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

CI273

LOCATION

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq

A single source reported the deaths of 10 civilians and the injuring of nine others in alleged Coalition and Iraqi government actions in and around Hawijah. According to Yaqein, international Coalition warplanes targeted, on Wednesday evening, the village of Albrglah and three areas in the district of Hawija, southwest of Kirkuk, killing ten civilians and

Summary

First published
August 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
Civilians reported injured
9
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
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

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

CI272

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq

Multiple sources claimed that an alleged Coalition strike on the al Sanjak and Karabila areas of Al Qaim killed 45 children and a woman. However, no Coalition strikes were publicly reported in the vicinity. Yaqein reported that most of the civilians are still under the rubble caused by the intensity of the shelling and the

Summary

First published
August 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
42 – 46
(41–45 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
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 1, 2016

Incident Code

CI271

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq

Local sources claimed that Coalition airstrikes had struck neighbourhoods in Qa’im City resulting in 9 civilian deaths – 5 children and 4 women- and 10 injuries. According to Iraq Spring, five homes were hit. ISIL’s media arm later issued a graphic video showing significant destruction at the scene and the bodies of four young children.

Summary

First published
August 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(5 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 31, 2016

Incident Code

CI270

LOCATION

كلية العلوم الاسلامية, Mosul, Faculty of Islamic Sciences at the University of Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

According to multiple reports, alleged night time or dawn Coalition strikes on homes in the vicinity of the Technical Institute and the Faculty of Islamic Sciences at the University of Mosul resulted in nearly 20 civilian fatalities. NRN said many civilian casualties from the brutal strikes came when fragments of the destroyed buildings struck nearby bystanders

Summary

First published
July 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 19
Civilians reported injured
10–20
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 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

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 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 27, 2016

Incident Code

CI269

LOCATION

حي البكر, Hit, Bakir, Al Anbar, Iraq

An unspecified number of civilians was reported killed and injured during alleged Coalition airstrikes at Hit. According to the Iraqi Spring Media Centre, Coalition aircraft have struck the Bakir and Mahboubiya neighbourhoods in Hit in western Anbar, resulting in deaths and injuries. In the second of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition

Summary

First published
July 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 26, 2016

Incident Code

CS284

LOCATION

جقل, Al Jaql (Al-Kabirah), Aleppo, Syria

A child was killed and two or more civilians injured in an alleged Coalition strike on the village of al Jafil (or less likely al Hakal.) According to Shaam News “One child was martyred and others wounded when the same planes [as the previous event] bombed the village of al Hakal in the western countryside

Summary

First published
July 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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

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

Incident date

July 25, 2016

Incident Code

CS282

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians was reported killed and injured during alleged Coalition airstrikes in support of heavy ground fighting in Manbij. According to blogger Hathifa al Yaman al Majd “Warplanes last night targeted Al Jilawi neighbourhood behind al Hawatma neighbourhood, on Jarablos road. Missiles hit civilian houses and destroyed seven houses in the area,

Summary

First published
July 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

CS281

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

One or more civilian was killed and two injured in an alleged Coalition strike on the al Sarib neighbourhood of Manbij. Local blogger Hathifa al Yaman Abu al Majd reported: “Saif the son of Moussa al Hamdoush died due to being hit by shrapnel from raids that targeted al Sarib neighbourhood with ten missiles, targeting

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
March 24, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

CS280

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition (or possibly Assad regime) airstrike on a fuel truck also killed two civilians and injured two more, according to reports. According to Al Hall, “Two civilians were killed and two others wounded, on Sunday afternoon, bombed by warplanes on the road in the Mayadeen desert east of Deir al-Zour). Abu Omar (a

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS279

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

One adult civilian male was reported killed in a fresh Coalition strike on the besieged city. According to Manbij Direct, “Mohammad bin Ahmad Khaled al Othman died in coalition raids a few hours ago inside the city of Manbij. He is a civilian who doesn’t belong to any faction. Today the city of manbij has

Summary

First published
July 23, 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 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS278

LOCATION

النواجة, Al Nawaja, Aleppo, Syria

As many as 22 civilians were reported killed at the village of al Nawaja, as the Coalition-supported offensive continued. However the Coalition later denied responsibility for the incident, noting that “the JCTF did not conduct any strikes in that geographic location.” According to one source, “al Nawaja village is divided into two neighbourhoods. The eastern

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 22
(2 children2 men)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 21, 2016

Incident Code

CS277

LOCATION

الحمر الشرقية, Hamr ar Shaqiya, Aleppo, Syria

A number of sources reported the deaths of three civilians in an alleged Coalition event, with two alleged victims named as Abu Shaman and his father. However a local Facebook site insisted the claims were “totally untrue… Everything is normal and nothing is happening.” According to Shaam News, “In the eastern countryside, battles are at

Summary

First published
July 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2016

Incident Code

CS276

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

In an incident which may relate to the previous report – or was unknown to Airwars – the Coalition announced in January 2017 that it was investigating a possible civilian casualty event near Manbij almost six months earlier. According to the initial statement “five reports of civilian casualties received in November are still being assessed…

Summary

First published
July 20, 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

July 20, 2016

Incident Code

CS275

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

A report on August 5th 2016 by local blogger Hathifa al Yaman Abu al Majd claimed that approximately 15 civilians had died in a Coalition strike two weeks earlier, with their bodies still buried under rubble. “American Alliance planes – around 15 days ago –  committed a massacre against three families opposite al Fatah mosque near

Summary

First published
July 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident