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

31 July 2017

Incident Codes

CS1304 RS2379

Location

قرية الكشمة, Al Kasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Ten civilians were reported injured in airstrikes on Al Kasham village according to local media – though it was unclear who was responsible, with allegations against the Coalition, Russia and the Syrian regime. According to Euphrates Post, one male also died in a Russian strike on the village. The source also named the following two civilians…

Summary

Published
31 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

31 July 2017

Incident Codes

CS1305 RS2380

Location

العشارة, Al A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Al A’shara, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia. According to sources, the residential neighbourhood was struck with cluster bombs - believed to be Russian. Fresh Syria pointed at the Coalition, while…

Summary

Published
31 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

31 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1306

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Fifteen civilians reportedly died in alleged Coalition and SDF actions at Raqqa, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. No further details are currently available. In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as "non-credible", stating that the allegation provided…

Summary

Published
31 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
15
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

31 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1307

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male died in Raqqa, according to local media, though sources were conflicted as to whether he was killed by an SDF sniper or by artillery. Ahmad al Shibli , RBSS and Raqqa Media Center all blamed artillery for his death. Airwars understands that only the Coalition has access to artillery in Raqqa. However,…

Summary

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

Incident Date

31 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1308

Location

دبلان, Dablan, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One woman, the wife of Saleh al-Awaid, died in an airstrike on Dablan, according to local sources. None of the sources apportioned blame. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights referred only to “warplanes,” while @DeirEzzor24 said the victim died from an injury after a bombing by “military aircraft”. According to Dblan net, cluster bombs were…

Summary

Published
31 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
10–16
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

31 July 2017

Incident Codes

CS1309 RS2378

Location

دبلان, Dablan, Ta'as, area behind the mosque, Deir Ezzor, Syria
More than five civilians were wounded in an airstrike on a water tank behind the mosque in the Ta’as area of Dablan, according to local media – though only once source said that the Coalition was responsible, with others not apportioning blame. According to Euphrates Post, “The military aircraft launched several simultaneous air strikes with…

Summary

Published
31 July 2017
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident