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

April 17, 2018

Incident Code

CS1745

LOCATION

Al Sarajiya village near Abu Hamda, Al Hassakah, Syria

Local sources reported on the deaths of up to eleven civilians as a result of strikes carried out by Coalition helicopters in an area east of the city of Al Shadadi. According to Euphrates Post “a massacre” took place after a bombardment on a prison in the town of Abu Hamda. The report put the

Summary

First published
April 17, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 11
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2018

Incident Code

CS1776

LOCATION

الصور, Al Sour desert in northern Deir Ezzor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that a civilian man was killed in a Coalition airstrike in the Al Sour desert in the northern countryside of Deir Ezzor. Baladi News stated that in addition to killing nine ISIS fighters, ‘a shepherd who happened to be near them’ was also killed in the raid. Among the fighters said

Summary

First published
June 26, 2018
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2018

Incident Code

CS1809

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to five civilians were reported killed in air and/or artillery strikes on the town of al Soussa during ongoing heavy fighting. Most sources described a Coalition air or artillery strike on one of the town’s bakeries, which reportedly killed four non combatants. Al Alam News for example reported that “US Coalition forces targeted the

Summary

First published
October 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(1 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

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

June 13, 2018

Incident Code

CS1771a

LOCATION

البوكمال, near Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a previously unreported incident, in the US-led Coalition’s August 2018 report, it conceded it had injured one civilian during a raid on an ISIS “supply route” near Abu Kamal. The coordinates provided by the Coalition locate the incident East of the Euphrates river, in an area labelled Ash Shājilah (ناحية سوسة) on open source

Summary

First published
June 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2576 CS1561

LOCATION

حي النختب بقرص فوقاني, Al Nakhtab, Bokros Foqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

As many as 12 civilians were killed – including an entire family – and up to 30 were injured, following airstrikes on Al Nakhtab, Bokros Foqani. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing blame to the Coalition, others to Russia and SOHR to the Syrian regime. A handful of sources blamed “unknown

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 12
(3 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2017

Incident Code

TS047 CS441

LOCATION

بزاعة , Beza’a city, Aleppo, Syria

Up to nine civilians including two children from the same family died in an airstrike on Beza’a city, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Turkey or the US-led Coalition. Aleppo Media Center reported that “the child Hamdo al Bakir and an entire family made up

Summary

First published
January 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(2 children3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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, Turkish Military
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 11, 2017

Incident Code

CS1620a

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

The Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality” reported on an incident previously unidentified by Airwars. An uncle and nephew were killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike which hit them whilst they were on a motorbike. The airstrike occurred between 3 and 4pm, and there were no reported injured

Summary

First published
October 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS950 CS243

LOCATION

الخفسة, Al Khafsa, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 13 civilians died in airstrikes on Al Khafssa, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia, the US-led Coalition or the Syrian regime were to blame. The majority of sources, including HNN, @AJABreaking and @HalabNewsN blamed Russia. The Step News Agency, also attributed the event to Russia, put

Summary

First published
June 27, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 13
(2 children1 woman)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2019

Incident Code

CS1922

LOCATION

شاميكو, Shamikou, Al Hassakah, Syria

One child was reported killed, and another injured, in a collision with a vehicle belonging to the US-led Coalition in Al-Hasakah on July 4th. Haleb Today TV documented that those wounded and injured were two children, stating that a correspondent from Aleppo Today reported “a child killed and another seriously injured in a traffic accident

Summary

First published
July 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Use of objects and other means
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
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2014

Incident Code

CI014

LOCATION

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq

An alleged coalition airstrike reportedly hit a market at Al Qaim in western Anbar, killing at least 3 people and injuring up to 35. Two of the victims were named as as Mohamed Ahmed and Ahmed Munir Khitab. Significant damage was reported at the scene. However, the coalition denies carrying out any airstrike in the

Summary

First published
November 4, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 15
(0–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
14–35
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
37 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2014

Incident Code

CS039

LOCATION

جرابلس, Jarabulus, Cultural center, Aleppo, Syria

An 8.30pm coalition bombing raid on Jarablos – a major Islamic State hub – destroyed a cultural centre being used as an ISIL headquarters in the town. According to Aleppo News, “According to activists, the strikes caused great devastation in the building in addition to the destruction of two civilian houses in the vicinity. Witnesses

Summary

First published
December 28, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women1 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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2021

Incident Code

CS1974

LOCATION

ابريهة, Abirha near Al Busaira, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Professor Khalaf Al Wahhab, a school teacher, and his two sons, Hamza Al Wahhab and Muhammad Al Wahhab, from the village of Abreha, were killed during a US-led Coalition airdrop or landing operation, with the Syrian Democratic Forces, in the village of Abirha, near Al Busaira in Deir Ezzor on December 12th 2021. In total,

Summary

First published
December 12, 2021
Last updated
April 30, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3–4 men)
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Democratic Forces
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
Belligerents reported killed
0–1
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2015

Incident Code

CS056

LOCATION

سليمة, Salima, Al Hassakah, Syria

A number of sources report that up to 10 civilians, including possibly children, were killed after the coalition mistakenly bombed the wrong village. According to the Stepagency site: “Today six children and a few other civilians were killed in the village of Salima after the coalition planes bombed the village by mistake as it was

Summary

First published
February 22, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 10
(6 children2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 29, 2015

Incident Code

CI066

LOCATION

الرمانة, Roumana, Al Anbar, Iraq

Four coalition strikes allegedly hit the village of Roumana near al Qaim, in Anbar province. According to the Baghdad Center for Human Rights, an unspecified number of non-combatants died in the event. Islamic State may have been the source for those claims, which it made on one of its websites.  

Summary

First published
April 29, 2015
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

June 26, 2015

Incident Code

CS085

LOCATION

ميادين, Road between Shadadi and Deir Ezzor (Road 7), Deir Ezzor, Syria

A civilian non-combatant was reported killed in a Coalition bombing on the road linking Shadadi with Deir az Zawr. The victim came from the town of Mayadeen.  

Summary

First published
June 26, 2015
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 13, 2015

Incident Code

CS125

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 15 Islamic State fighters, including two aged under 16, were reported killed by a Coalition airstrike 10km west of Ma’dan. The teenage boys were said to be members of the ISIL youth movement ‘Cubs of the Caliphate.’ One report said that a checkpoint was targeted. In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the

Summary

First published
September 13, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 18, 2015

Incident Code

CI124

LOCATION

عنه, Anah al Jadidah, Al Anbar, Iraq

One woman was reported killed and up to ten other civlians injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike at Anah, a town close to Hit. According to Iraqi Revolution, houses and shops were damaged in the event. A video obtained by A3Maq showed burning buildings in the appparent aftermath of a night-time attack. In their January

Summary

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

December 1, 2015

Incident Code

CI148

LOCATION

القيارة, Qayyarah, Nineveh, Iraq

Multiple civilian casualties were claimed in Qayyarah after the Coalition was accused of bombing civilian houses in the town. Face Iraq reported that seven children and an elderly woman died in the event, which it said destroyed six houses in the vicinity of the Khader mosque (which some sources said had also been destroyed). Three

Summary

First published
December 1, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 8
(0–7 children0–1 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
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

February 18, 2016

Incident Code

CS179

LOCATION

الدشيشة, Dashisha, Al Hassakah, Syria

Two civilian brothers named as Farhan and Adnan Ali Khodar were reported killed after their motorbike was struck in an alleged Coalition airstrike. According to the Damascus Center, the two brothers were buried together. In their February 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this

Summary

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

Incident date

March 31, 2016

Incident Code

CI213

LOCATION

يت, Hit, Al Anbar, Iraq

Local sources claimed that Coalition aircraft targeted a civilian car in Hit and killed the driver, who was said to have no links to so-called Islamic State. According to News of Iraq, the aircraft had been targeting a Daesh VBIED “driven by a suicide bomber” but that the attack also led to the destruction of

Summary

First published
March 31, 2016
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 7, 2016

Incident Code

CI248

LOCATION

سومر و العربي والزهور ودنه دان, Mosul, East neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

A local source said 20 civilians were killed or injured along with three Daesh fighters after Coalition jets allegedly targeted four neighbourhoods in central Mosul. A single source, Yaqein, said the strikes took place in the evening. Among those targeted was a Daesh ’emir’ from Morocco, whose white Hyundai was destroyed. But civilian casualties were

Summary

First published
June 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 20
Civilians reported injured
2–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 4, 2016

Incident Code

CS246

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

At least four members of one family including two children were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Manbij. Manbij Mother of the World gave a detailed description of the event: “Coalition planes committed a massacre yesterday against al Hunaifi family killing 4 people and leaving a number of wounded. The house is near

Summary

First published
July 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2–4 children1 woman1 man)
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
Named victims
8 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2016

Incident Code

CS317

LOCATION

العريمة, Al `A'rīma, Aleppo, Syria

Fouad al Waisi, his wife and his daughter were all reported killed in a daytime Coalition strike near Manbij, in the village of al A’rima. The Coalition later reported that three civilians had been injured in the incident, without mentioning any civilians killed. On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition

Summary

First published
September 27, 2016
Last updated
March 17, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2016

Incident Code

CI300

LOCATION

حي الحدباء, Mosul, Hadba, Nineveh, Iraq

One civilian male was killed in Mosul’s Hadba neighbourhood by Coalition strikes, according to local reports. Al Rafidain Network for Human Rights reported that a young man named Mustafa Bushar al Qaddu was killed inside his home due to Coalition strikes. Iraaq 18 said the civilian casualties occured after the Coalition destroyed a vehicle-borne IED:

Summary

First published
October 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Incident Code

CI318

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Nine civilians were killed and over 115 claimed wounded, according to ISIL-linked sources. ISIL-controlled al A’amaq reported that more than 9 civilians died, including four children and a woman, and “about 115 wounded as a result of US airstrikes” in Mosul. A distressing video posted by the ISIL-controlled outlet initially shows several destroyed buildings in

Summary

First published
November 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
115
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

November 14, 2016

Incident Code

CI337

LOCATION

حي الزهراء, Mosul, Sheshan and Zahrah, Nineveh, Iraq

Airwars researcher met the three injured named kids at the evacuation centre in Goggali frontline east of Mosul after they submitted to Unknown fire in Sheshan and Zahrah neighbourhoods east of Mosul. In their May 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as

Summary

First published
November 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2016

Incident Code

CS394

LOCATION

قرطبة, Qortoba, Raqqa, Syria

Four civilians were killed in a reported afternoon airstrike on Qortoba village, as a heavy Coalition/ SDF campaign against ISIL continued. Al A’Amaq Media reported two deaths initially. According to Syria News Desk, “Coalition aircraft bombed three houses in the centre of Qahtaniyah, killing four civilians including a child, and injuring more than 14 others,

Summary

First published
November 25, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
7–14
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

January 2, 2017

Incident Code

CI385

LOCATION

Mosul, Mushirfan, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on April 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on social media claims of civilian harm “near Mosul, Iraq”. According to the Coalition report, “(2.) Jan. 2, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via social media report: No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in

Summary

First published
January 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

January 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS434

LOCATION

حرملة, Harmala, Raqqa, Syria

Four civilians were reported killed and two others injured following an alleged Coalition strike on Harmala. The Shaam News Network reported that “international coalition planes launched air raids near Harmala village north west of Raqqa which led to the deaths of four martyrs and a number of wounded.” All other sources, including the Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
January 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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