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 July 2017

Incident Code

CI799

Location

سوق الشعارين, Mosul, Sha'areen, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that three named civilians were killed – with others injured and still trapped in rubble – after their home was struck in the Sha’areen market area of Old Mosul. The Nineveh Librate Facebook page initially noted “The martyr and nurse Nabil Younis Said (Abu Saif) who died with his son’s wife. And…

Summary

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

Incident Date

2 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1143

Location

الرقة‎, Al Kasrat or Ar Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian male was killed in Raqqa. However there were conflicting reports as to how he died. Four of the seven sources reporting the incident alleged that the death was caused by SDF sniper fire. Meanwhile two sources claimed that Coalition airstrikes were to blame. One further source claimed that artillery fire was responsible, which…

Summary

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

Incident Date

2 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1140

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One civilian male was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Mayadin, local sources reported. Of the three sources who documented the airstrike, only Jisr TV alleged that the Coalition was responsible, noting that “In the eastern countryside.. International coalition fighter jets launched air strikes on the outskirts of the Mayadeen, killing a civilian.” The…

Summary

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

Incident Date

2 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1141

Location

الصور, Al Soor, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least one family and as many as 50 civilians were reportedly killed, said to be family members of ISIL fighters, following alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Soor to the north east of Deir Ezzor. The airstrikes were said to be in the telephone exchange area of the city, a number of local sources reported.…

Summary

Published
2 July 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
8–50
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1142

Location

حطلة, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least two civilians and as many as three were killed following airstrikes on Hatla in Deir Ezzor. However it was not clear who was responsible. Three sources alleged that Russian warplanes were responsible. Meanwhile five sources reported the airstrike without apportioning blame, and so the Coalition could not be definitively ruled out. Free Deir…

Summary

Published
2 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–5
Civilians reported injured
11
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1131

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Four civilian males from one family were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, local sources reported. Five of the seven sources which reported the deaths alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

Summary

Published
1 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident