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

9 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1460

Location

الحديقة البيضا, Hadika Al Bayda (White Garden), Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that three civilians died and several more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Hadika al Baidaa in Raqqah. According to al Hassakah Rasd, “According to local sources, three civilians were killed on Saturday, and others were injured by the bombing of the neighborhoods of the city by coalition aircraft…

Summary

Published
9 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1461

Location

Sabha and al Jadid crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A single source, LCCSY, reported that “two people were injured in the air raids of the International Alliance on the slopes of Al-Sabha and Al Jadid in the eastern countryside”. No further details are currently available.

Summary

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

Incident Date

9 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1462

Location

Abu Kamal, Political Security building, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A major civilian casualty incident, in which 20-24 civilians died, took place in the center of Abu Kamal city, Deir Ezzor Governorate, according to multiple local sources. Shaam News claimed “dozens” of civilians were killed or wounded. There was some contention regarding the number of civilians killed, as the raid allegedly targeted a prison of…

Summary

Published
9 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
20–24
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1457a

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian and the injury of three others in an event near Abu Kamal. Their February 2018 civilian casualty report noted: "During a Coalition strike that destroyed Daesh weapons facility under and headquarters one civilian was unintentionally killed and three…

Summary

Published
9 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

8 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1454

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male from Deir Ezzor was reportedly killed in Raqqa, following airstrikes of the US-led Coalition. All known sources held the Coalition responsible for the attack. No additional details are available at present.

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1455

Location

النهضة, Nahdah neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Up to 11 civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a school in Raqqah’s Al Nahda neighbourhood, local media reported. Baladi and Al Hasaka Rasd put the death toll at nine – both blaming the US-led Coalition. According to RT Arabic, “The Syrian government has accused the international coalition of committing a new massacre…

Summary

Published
8 September 2017
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
9–11
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident