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

23 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1064

Location

كسرة الفرج, Kasrat Faraj, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian male died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Kasrat Faraj, according to Raqqa Truth. Other sources reported Coalition strikes within the vicinity but made no mention of civilian casualties, apart from Nesjorj which noted: “Coalition air raids last night on the villages of Kusra Afnan and Kasrat Faraj, resulting in the deaths and injuries…

Summary

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

Incident Date

23 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1065

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Ragga Truth named one civilian male, Saleh Hameed Al-Harith, as killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported one death and blamed the Coalition. Mohab Naser named another victim of shelling as Ala’a Al-Deen Mohammed Khair Dandal.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

23 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1066

Location

محيميدة, Mheimdeh, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 17 civilians including women and children died in an airstrike on Mheimdeh, Deir ez-Zor, according to local media – though it was unclear who was responsible for the deaths, with many sources pointing towards Russia, some to the regime and others not identifying the culprit. Free Deir Radio put the death toll at…

Summary

Published
23 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
10–17
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1067

Location

ابو كمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Euphrates Post reported that a number of civilians alongside members of ISIL were killed following airstrikes in Deir Ezzor, near the “car exhibition area”, the Yamamah school and ISIL’s armoury near the Alkhabra Company. Responsibility for the attack was not apportioned by the source. Other sources reported Coalition strikes in the vicinity of the school.…

Summary

Published
23 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1068

Location

الطواطحة, Tawatha, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One man was reportedly wounded after a water tanker in Al Tawatha village near Abu Kamal in the east of Deir Ezzor was allegedly struck by a Coalition airstrike. The man was said to be injured in the leg due to shrapnel exploding off the tanker. According to Baladi News, “Coalition aircraft targeted a pipeline…

Summary

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

Incident Date

23 June 2017

Incident Code

CI782

Location

الساعة, Mosul, Al Saaha, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources and residents reported that five civilians from one Kurdish family were killed after Coalition airstrikes hit their house in Al Saaha neighbourhood near the al Nouri Mosque in Old Mosul.  The event was later admitted by both the Coalition and US forces. The five died when a missile or bomb reportedly destroyed the…

Summary

Published
23 June 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident