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

26 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1089

Location

Rumaila, Raqqa, Syria
Six or more civilians were reportedly killed alongside members of ISIL in the Al Rumaila neighbourhood of Raqqa following artillery fire allegedly carried out by the US-backed SDF militia or the Coalition. Smart News Agency alleged that the SDF was responsible. However Airwars understands that the militia does not have artillery capability and that if…

Summary

Published
26 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
6–7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1090

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was killed following alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, local sources reported. No further details were available.

Summary

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

Incident Date

26 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1091

Location

Euphrates river, Raqqa, Syria
At least five civilian males and as many as seven were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes near the Euphrates River in Raqqa. Local sources reported that the men were killed in airstrikes targeting their cars as they tried to retrieve water from the river. Raqqa has been suffering from intermittent and recurring water outages.…

Summary

Published
26 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
5–7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1092

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian male was allegedly killed in a Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, Ahmad al Shibli reported. No further details are presently known.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

26 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1093

Location

Kasrat Afnan, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male and one child were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airsrikes on Kasrat Afnan, local sources reported. All four sources who reported the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

Summary

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

Incident Date

26 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1094

Location

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between 42 and 100 civilians who were being detained in an ISIL prison were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on an ISIL base in Al Mayadeen, local sources reported. The Coalition later conceded having killed eight civilians. According to a number of reports, the strikes also allegedly killed between 15 to 20 ISIL members,…

Summary

Published
26 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
42–70
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident