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

15 July 2017

Incident Codes

CS1206 RS2335

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, al Arabaeen street and other areas, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least ten civilians – including at least one woman and two children – were killed and dozens more were wounded following airstrikes near two schools in the city of Al Mayadeen. However, local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible. Both Russia and the US-led Coalition were reportedly responsible. Syrian Network for Human…

Summary

Published
15 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
10
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1203

Location

حي التوسعية, Al Tawaswi’ya neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Local sources reported that a number of civilians died in artillery and mortar shelling or Raqqa’s Al Tawaswi’ya neighbourhood – though it was unclear whether the Coalition or the SDF were responsible. Usama Mulla Mohammed put the death toll at two. Other sources blamed SDF artillery and mortar shells. Airwars understands that only the Coalition…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1204

Location

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Seven civilians died and two or more were wounded in an airstrike on Al Salhiya in the Deir Ezzor countryside, according to local media – though it was unclear whether the Coalition, Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. 1996aboadel and RFS pointed towards Russia. However, Baladi blamed the regime. Al Hall said that…

Summary

Published
14 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1205

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported airstrike near the Crescent hospital in al Baghouz. According to Euphrates Post, a girl was killed and a woman and old man injured. The source didn’t identify the culprit. Other sources reported Coalition strikes in the vicinity but did not report civilian casualties. According to Shaam News the target of the attack…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 July 2017

Incident Code

CI811

Location

Mosul, Nabi Jarjis, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of ten civilians in an event in the Nabi Jaris neighbourhood of Old Mosul. Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a strike on an ISIS tunnel system, it was assessed that 10 civilians were unintentionally killed." Coordinates supplied by…

Summary

Published
14 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
10
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1195

Location

حي الدرعية, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Sharqiya Voice reported that “shelling targeted several neighborhoods of Raqqa in Tal Al Obeid Street, Saif Al Dawla Street, Al Dar’iya neighborhood, Al Khader Pharmacy, Basil Street, Al Quwatli Street and the edges of al Wadi street and al Fouroussiya” resulting in several civilian casualties and a number of others wounded, however further details were…

Summary

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