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

2 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1319

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male died in a Coalition artillery bombardment or a mortar strike by the SDF in Raqqa, according to local media. Ar Raqqa Al a’ahlya reported that the victim bled to death from a shrapnel wound. Most sources blamed artillery for the man’s death. Airwars understands that only the Coalition has access to artillery…

Summary

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

Incident Date

2 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1320

Location

مشفى عائشة البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Aisha Hospital, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three people were killed and several more wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the cafeteria of Aisha hospital in Abu Kamal, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to whether the three victims were members of ISIS or civilians. Euphrates Post, Shaam and Shbab Post said that they were from ISIS, but sources…

Summary

Published
2 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1321

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One child was killed by artillery shelling of Raqqa, according to multiple local sources. Airwars understands that only the Coalition has access to artillery in Raqqa

Summary

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

Incident Date

2 August 2017

Incident Codes

CS1322 RS2385

Location

قرية التبني, Al Tabani, Shihah junction and other locations, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 20 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on the village of Al Tabani, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Coalition were to blame. Rami asssaf, @Ahmad_Zahlan and @HAMZH7711 blamed the Coalition, with @Ahmad_Zahlan reporting that white phosphorus had been used. However, the majority…

Summary

Published
2 August 2017
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
12–20
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 August 2017

Incident Code

CI821

Location

الكرابلة, Karabla, Al Anbar, Iraq
Dozens of civilians were allegedly killed in airstrikes in Karabla, Qaem, local media reported – It was unclear who was responsible. According to Yaqein, A number of civilians, including children, were killed and wounded after warplanes targeted al-Qa’im west of Anbar in light of continued attacks by joint forces supported by the international coalition. The…

Summary

Published
2 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
12–24
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1317b

Location

الفردوس, near Raqqa, Syria, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian near Raqqa. In its February 2019 report, the Coalition noted the following: “the Coalition conducted one artillery strike on ISIS defensive fighting positions. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of this strike” It was later…

Summary

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