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

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

May 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS875

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
May 28, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1115

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to local media. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported “The martyrdom of “Ali Abdul-Ali al-Jasha’am” after the coalition aircraft targeted his car while he was transporting wounded civilians following the bombardment of the city of Raqqa.” According to the Syrian Network for

Summary

First published
June 28, 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 12, 2017

Incident Code

CS1191

LOCATION

شارع 23 شباط, Feb 23 Street, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources reported the death of a man with a mental disability. According to Palmyra Media Centre, the victim was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa. The source reported on July 12th that “the young man and his brother Marwan have been missing for several days”. However, both Baladi and Jorfnews said that

Summary

First published
July 12, 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

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1219

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Local media reported that a civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
July 17, 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 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1252

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male died 24 hours after sustaining a shrapnel injury in Raqqa, according to local media. @AbuMuaazalraqqa reported that the victim died “as a result of being hit by shrapnel from a mortar shell fired by a SDF militia that targeted his home”. However air and artillery strikes were also reported in the vicinity

Summary

First published
July 22, 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

CS1367

LOCATION

مرقدا, Marqadah, Al Hassakah, Syria

The death of a young male civilian, identified as Bashir Al-Matar Awad, was reported by multiple local reports. The US-led Coalition was blamed for the incident in all sources presently collated. In a facebook post by Shbab it was reported that, “the death of a young man, Bashir Al-Matar Awad from the village Al-Dashaisha” was

Summary

First published
August 12, 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 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS1601

LOCATION

معارة الارتيق, Maarat Al Arteek, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died in alleged air or artillery strikes on Maarat Al Arkeet, according to multiple local sources. It was unclear whether Russia or the regime was to blame for the death. Alwaght suspected the Syrian regime responsible – the source stated, “Syrian army missiles and tanks targeted terrorist positions on the north-western axis of

Summary

First published
November 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2018

Incident Code

CS1748a

LOCATION

Khatuniya, Al Hassakah, Syria

In an incident previously untracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Khatuniya. The Pentagon later reported this to have been a US action. According to CJTFOIR’s June 2019 civilian casualty report: “Coalition forces engaged in a small arms fire event. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed

Summary

First published
May 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2016

Incident Code

CI206

LOCATION

القيارة, Qayyarah, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, CENTCOM later confirmed the death of a civilian in an airstrike near Qayyarah. Their November 2016 report noted: “near Qayyarah, Iraq, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that one civilian was killed.” The event occurred near the beginning of operations to liberate Qayyarah

Summary

First published
March 24, 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 16, 2016

Incident Code

CI286

LOCATION

الزاوية, Zawiyah, Al Anbar, Iraq

An unspecified number of civilian casualties may have occurred near Haditha Dam following a reported strike on an imminent ISIL assault. According to El Nel News, Coalition aircraft bombed a gathering of Daesh militants, killing dozens of terrorists and foiling an attack on the perimeter of Haditha Dam in Anbar province in western Iraq. Yaqein

Summary

First published
September 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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

October 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS342

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

During an airstrike on a vehicle in Idlib the Coalition killed one man and reportedly injured four more civilians. The Coalition later admitted responsibility for the one death. According to Step News, “One person was dead and 4 civilians wounded in a car explosion in the city of Idlib after it was targeted by an

Summary

First published
October 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

January 14, 2017

Incident Code

CI422

LOCATION

Mosul, Rashadiya, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition reported on March 4th that: “Jan. 14, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a counter-fire strike on an ISIS mortar team it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed when he entered the target area after weapon was fired.” Officials later informed Airwars that

Summary

First published
January 14, 2017
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

February 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS478

LOCATION

الغدفة, Al Ghadafeh, Idlib, Syria

A 15-year old boy named as Mohammad Haj Ahmad was reported by VDC as having been killed by the Coalition. The boy came from Al-Ghadefeh – though it is unclear whether this is where he died. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
February 9, 2017
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

March 10, 2017

Incident Code

CI530

LOCATION

نابلس, Mosul, Nablus, Nineveh, Iraq

Security forces and press sources told Al Araby that two children (aged four and seven years old) were found alive under the rubble by Iraqi forces, while their mother was killed. They reported that she died after a Coalition airstrike bombed their home in Nablus neighbourhood in West Mosul, on the Friday night. It was

Summary

First published
March 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

May 5, 2017

Incident Code

CI691

LOCATION

الاقتصاديين, Mosul, Itkisadeen/ Economist, Nineveh, Iraq

Residents and local media sources said that one civilian was killed and three others were injured after Coalition airstrikes targeted ISIL positions in Iktisadeen (Economists) neighborhood in West Mosul. Sawlf Ateka (local Facebook page) reported that Mahmud Yassin Mahmood al-Mawla was killed after the raids hit houses next to his.

Summary

First published
May 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
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 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS817

LOCATION

منطقة الصوامع, Silos area, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Raqqa governorate. Al Ragga Truth and Raqqa News named the victim as 23-year-old Fadi Qaher al Nashef and both alleged that the Coalition was responsible. Sources said that the Coalition bombed the grain silos area. 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 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS934

LOCATION

القورية, Al Qouriya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An unspecified number of civilian casualties were reported after Coalition planes allegedly struck a funeral in Al Qouriya, local media reported. According to Nasser Ahmad, “Coalition aircraft targeted the people in the town of Qouriya while they were at the cemetery burying their relatives. This led to casualties.” GoogleSyrian reported that American Coalition planes had

Summary

First published
June 8, 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

June 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS962

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Hashim Abdul Fattah Al-Ali, eight or 12-years-old, died of a heart attack after he was said to have heard a nearby Coalition airstrike in Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, local sources reported. Aletihadpress put Hashim’s age at 12 years, reporting that “according to local sources, 12-year-old Hashim Abd al-Fattah al-Ali was sitting with his family in

Summary

First published
June 11, 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

Incident date

June 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1123

LOCATION

محكان, Mahkan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A girl was killed and up to 20 others were injured in airstrikes on Mahkan, however claims concerning who was responsible were contested. News Jorf claimed that the Coalition was responsible, meanwhile, Baladi News alleged that the Syrian government was responsible. The remaining eight sources reporting the incident did not make any claims as with

Summary

First published
June 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
20
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

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1263

LOCATION

الرشاد, Al Hittila, Al Rashad, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Euphrates Post reported the death of one civilian female in an airstrike on Al-Rashad, though it didn’t say who was responsible for her death. Alghad Al Soury blamed “the air force” – usually a reference to regime attacks.  

Summary

First published
July 24, 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

July 28, 2017

Incident Code

CS1293

LOCATION

جامع الشهداء, Al-Shuhada Mosque, Raqqa, Syria

One unnamed civilian reportedly died in artillery shelling in the area of Al-Shuhada mosque, according to local media. Airwars understand that only the Coalition has access to artillery in Raqqa, therefore they would be responsible if this munition was in fact used. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

First published
July 28, 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

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS1459

LOCATION

رويشد, Rowaishid, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and one injured, following alleged US-Coalition strikes on the Rowaishid area, 45km north of Deir Ezzor. There is limited information available at present for this event. All sources blamed the US-led Coalition. The Coalition itself informed Airwars that as a result of their deconfliction agreements they had ceased to conduct

Summary

First published
September 9, 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

September 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1486 RS2445

LOCATION

البصيرة, Al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian died in an airstrike on al Basira, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the regime were to blame. Reports said that the strikes hit to post office building. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Moen_dndil attributed the event to the Coalition. However,

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS1601

LOCATION

Bared al Daraia, Raqqa, Syria

An adult male civilian Sherif Ibrahim al-Sharif (pictured), a resident of the Bared al Daraia neighbourhood, died following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Raqqah city according to reports. There is very limited information at present, and amendments will be made to the entry when any new information is known.

Summary

First published
October 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 1, 2015

Incident Code

CS109

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A 13-year old boy described as a child soldier with ISIL’s Cubs of the Caliphate – later named as Mohammad al A’afr Al Harmoush – was reported killed in a Coalition strike at Al Mayadeen. In its July 2017 casualty report, the Coalition classed the even as non credible on grounds of having conducted no

Summary

First published
August 1, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 4, 2016

Incident Code

CS196

LOCATION

كنان سلطان, Kinan Sultan, Al Hassakah, Syria

A civilian water worker was reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike at Kinan Sultan. According to Balad News, “A source confirmed that Coalition aircraft targeted drinking water tankers which led to the martyrdom of the citizen Ayman Khader Al Ali, who works on water transport in the southern rural areas Hassakah.” In their February

Summary

First published
April 4, 2016
Last updated
March 9, 2023
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
Geolocation
District
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

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

CS324

LOCATION

Subha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

The Coalition denied that it had killed or injured civilians near Deir ez Zawr on October 1st, despite local claims. According to reports, multiple bridges were targeted in Coalition strikes on October 1st, with Step News reporting that “Coalition warplanes destroyed a number of bridges including Al-Abbas bridge in Abu Kamal, and Al-Nawam.” Other reports

Summary

First published
October 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
1 named
View Incident