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

26 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1420

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Civilians were reported killed in a suspected US-led Coalition airstrike on the city of Mayadeen. It remains unclear how many people were harmed in the attack which reportedly struck a vehicle on the outskirts of the town. According to sources, the car was “carrying detainees” of the so-called Islamic State organisation, who were captured for…

Summary

Published
26 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1414

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian male was killed in alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Raqqa. At present there is no further information on this incident: the entry will be updated when new details arise.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1415

Location

Bedo, Raqqa, Syria
More than one civilian was killed by suspected US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Bedou neighbourhood, Raqqa. Mohamad.othman.7503 posted photographs on Facebook of extensive material destruction on the “health, housing – Hawara School District”, whilst other sources published graphic photographs of civilians who were reported killed. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered later reported on 4th September “The…

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1416

Location

National Hospital and in the vicinity of Naim roundabout and Al Amasi Street, Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported “artillery shelling” targeted the National Hospital and the vicinity of the roundabout Naim and Al-Amasi Street in Raqqa City. Sources referred to “news of martyrs” but did not list the number or details of alleged civilian casualties. Airwars understands that only the US-led Coalition have access to artillery in Raqqa. See also…

Summary

Published
25 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1417

Location

Al Fadaghmi, Al Hassakah, Syria
Two or three civilians were killed in alleged US airstrikes close to Al-Fadghami village near Hasaka City. Yusuf Ali al-Shawoush (12 years) and Hassan Ali al-Hamoud (55 years), and one unidentified person, were reportedly shepherds who were herding their flock when the airstrikes hit. According to local sources around 130 sheep were also killed in…

Summary

Published
25 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1418

Location

The National Hospital, Raqqa, Syria
Sources initially reported three people were killed following alleged US-led Coalition air strikes on The National (Al Watani) Hospital in Raqqa. Subsequent reports identified nine victims. Mohammad Jom’a al Taha (b. 1951), an agricultural engineer, and two of his sons, were killed in the offensive. According to sources the family was displaced people from Deir…

Summary

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