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

5 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1440

Location

مسجد الامام النووي, Ar Raqqah: Near Imam Al Nawawi mosque, Raqqa, Syria
Ten civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike in the Nahdah neighbourhood of Raqqa. Initially only reported on by one source, 3 of the victims were identified: Ahmad Al Tufi, also known as Lattoufi Lattoufi (adult, male), his wife and Layal Ramzi Ahmed Al Tufi (adult, female). During investigations of this event for…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1446

Location

Al Naim roundabout, Raqqa, Syria
Between 12 and 14 people, including women and children, reportedly died in suspected US-led Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa City’s Naim roundabout area. According to local reports, the Coalition targeted downtown Raqqa close to the al Naim roundabout where civilians were present, reportedly injuring “dozens” in addition those killed. Wagea news said “International Alliance aircraft” was…

Summary

Published
5 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
12–14
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1447

Location

Al Kasra, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Euphrates Post reported two civilians killed "as a result of air strikes on the town of Al-Kasra yesterday”. One of the comments below the post challenged one of the fatality reports, saying that on of the named civilians, Shihab Khalaf al Mahmoud was instead just lightly injured. The home was destroyed, the relative said. No further…

Summary

Published
5 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1448

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported on the death of a man following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa city. The two known sources said the US-led Coalition was responsible for the attack. At present there is limited information regarding the details of the incident. Airwars will add to the entry when new information arises.

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1449

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian was reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike in Raqqa City, according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently. There is no additional information known at present.

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1450

Location

Firdous, Raqqa, Syria
Step News Agency reported that 17 civilians died in a Coalition strike on a five-storey residential building in Al Firdous street. According to Nhadshmot and 24 Raqqa, the Coalition “targeted the National Hospital area”. No names have been linked to this event to date, and no addiitonal details are presently known.

Summary

Published
5 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
17
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident