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

22 May 2020

Incident Code

CS1947

Location

الشبكة, الشحيل, Al Shabaka, Al Shuhail, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One civilian was reported killed in alleged joint SDF and US led coalition operation in Al Shuhail in Deir Ezzor on May 22nd, 2020 according to local sources. Euphrates Post reported that "Muhammad Al-Ouda Al-Khaled Al-Addad from the city of Al-Shuhail, was killed during a security operation carried out by SDF supported by the international…

Summary

Published
22 May 2020
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 May 2020

Incident Code

CS1946

Location

الزر, Al Zir, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A civilian was killed by a sniper on the rooftop of his house in Al Zer as he was watching Coalition forces entering the village of Al Shouhaibl, Deir Ezzor governorate, on May 17th 2020, according to local sources. Euphrates Eye wrote that "Muhammad Khleif Al Hamra was killed when he was watching the Coalition…

Summary

Published
17 May 2020
Strike Type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilians reported killed
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 May 2020

Incident Code

CS1945

Location

بالقرب من مسجد أبو بكر الصديق ,البصيره, Vicinity of Abu Bakr Al Siddiq mosuqe, Al Basira , Deir Ezzor, Syria
The homes of civilians were reportedly raided and bombed by alleged Coalition forces in a possible joint action with the Syrian Democratic Forces in the city of Al Basira, Deir Ezzor governorate, on May 16th, 2020, leading to the death of five possible civilians. Sources additionally reported that two to three men likely linked to…

Summary

Published
16 May 2020
Strike Type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
5
Military actors reported killed
2–7
Causes of Death / Injury
Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 May 2020

Incident Code

CS1944

Location

حقل كونيكو النفطي, Koniko Oil Fields, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One civilian was reported killed on May 1st, 2020 allegedly by a sniper bullet fired at him by the American troops in Koniko oil field in Deir Ezzor or by YPG/QSD members who guard the oil field as local sources said. The victim who worked as a teacher in Raqqa city was identified as Yasser…

Summary

Published
1 May 2020
Strike Type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 March 2020

Incident Code

CI880

Location

مطار كربلاء الدولي, Karbala International Airport, Karbala, Iraq
Three civilians were reportedly killed and two others injured in alleged American airstrikes in on Karbala International Airport which was under construction in Karbala governorate on March 13th, 2020, according to local sources. The incident is also believed to have killed three belligerents and the injury of nine, two of whom are in critical condition.…

Summary

Published
13 March 2020
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
3
Military actors reported killed
3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 February 2020

Incident Code

CS1943

Location

خربة عمو, Road between Khirbet Amo and the Allaya neighborhood on the outskirts of Al Qamishli, Al Hassakah, Syria
One man was killed and three civilians were wounded in clashes between American troops and Syrian regime forces near the village of Khirbet Ammo, Al Hasaka governorate, on February 12th, 2020, according to local sources. It remains unclear if the killed man was a civilian or a member of an armed group. Sana reported that "American…

Summary

Published
12 February 2020
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
0–1
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Military actors reported killed
0–1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident