U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

In 2014 a U.S.-led coalition began a campaign of airstrikes in Iraq and Syria – officially known as Operation Inherent Resolve – following the capture of large swathes of the countries by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). An intense air and ground campaign drove ISIS out of almost all territory by 2018 but resulted in significant destruction and loss of life.

Airwars documented thousands of allegations of civilian harm from U.S.-led Coalition strikes and has conducted numerous major investigations and research papers on the topic.

Airwars estimate of civilian deaths

8,249 – 13,342

Locally reported civilian deaths from declared or likely U.S.-led Coalition actions in Iraq and Syria for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by the U.S.-led Coalition. These originate from 3,003 separate alleged incidents.

1,728 – 2,371
children likely killed
1,127 – 1,468
women likely killed
5,930
likely injured
3,784
named victims

U.S.-led Coalition estimate of civilian deaths

1,457

Confirmed civilian deaths, from U.S.-led Coalition actions in Iraq and Syria, originating from 364 separate incidents of civilian harm.

411
civilians confirmed injured
Alleged deaths
19,217 – 29,816
Locally reported civilian deaths from U.S.-led Coalition actions in Iraq and Syria.
3,003 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
8,249 – 13,342
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by U.S.-led Coalition
1,553 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
2,397 – 2,821
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
435 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
7,877 – 12,576
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
783 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
694 – 1,077
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
232 seperate alleged incidents
2996 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

10 September 2017

Incident Code

CI842

Location

Huwaija, Kirkuk, Iraq
A single source reported the injuring of civilians following an alleged attack by the US-led Coalition on the district of Huwaija. The source, Iraqi News, said the aerial bombardment by international coalition aircraft targeted residential neighbourhoods and that their sources confirm the injury of civilians. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

Published
10 September 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

10 September 2017

Incident Code

CI843

Location

Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
According to a number of sources, civilian casualties were occurred following alleged Coalition actions at Al Qaim – although reporting was confused. A number of sources reported government attacks on Anah and Rawah, coupled with Coalition air or possible guided missile strikes at Al Qaim, western Anbar province. According to a subsequent report by Yaqin,…

Summary

Published
10 September 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

10 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1463

Location

Ar Raqqah: Jumaili neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Two to four civilians were reportedly killed in Coalition air or artillery strikes on the al Jumaili neighbourhood of Raqqa City. There was some conflict of information regarding the culprit, though most sources blamed the US-led Coalition. Sources that did not mention the Coalition referred to “artillery shelling” and “airstrikes”. Airwars understands that only the…

Summary

Published
10 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1457

Location

Abu Kamal, al Suwei’ya bridge, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Four named civilians were reported killed and others were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria local media reported. Smart reported raids “targeted an apartment building near the bridge”, identified by a correspondent for Jisr TV as “Suwayyah” bridge 120km east of Deir Ezzor, next to the prison where a…

Summary

Published
9 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 September 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

Published
9 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 September 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

Published
9 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident