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

21 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1245

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was killed in Raqqa following “bombing” and “shelling”, local media reported. Raqqa24 said that he died in “artillery shelling”. Other sources pointed towards the SDF. However Airwars understands that only the Coalition is using artillery at Raqqa.

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1246

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa according to local media. All sources blamed the Coalition, though offered little detail on the event.

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1247

Location

قصر البنات, Ar Raqqah: Qasr Al Banat (palace), Raqqa, Syria
Baladi reported that eight civilians including three children and their parents were killed in artillery shelling by the “Quds militia” which reportedly targeted their homes in Qaser Al-Banat. Airwars understand that only the Coalition is using artillery in Raqqa.

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1248

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Saraya government building, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local media reported airstrikes on the “Martyrs Affairs Office” – seized by IS- opposite the old Saraya building and “oil burners in Badia Drenge and Tijana” – though no information was given on civilian casualties. Step News Agency, Jisirtv and DPN reported that these were Coalition strikes. Euphrates Post didn’t identify the warplanes responsible, though…

Summary

Published
21 July 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

20 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1241

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A 21 year-old man was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, according to local sources. Al Hasaka Rasd, Soheb1700 and Raqqa24 all blamed the Coalition for his death.

Summary

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

Incident Date

20 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1242

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A female identified as the daughter of Khalil Ibrahim al Khalif was killed following “shelling of the city” of Raqqa, local sources reported. All three sources did not specify what type of shelling took place. The slain victim was reportedly displaced from Al Abu Amer in the eastern outskirts of Deir Ezzor, before coming to…

Summary

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