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

15–21 March, 2019

Incident Code

CS1915

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al-Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported that a family of five including three children were killed in alleged Coalition bombing in Al-Baghouz camp days several days before March 20th. The exact date they were killed remains unknown. Ahmad Abd Al Rzzaq said: "My cousin Louay Abdel Wahab Al-Hamad Al-Ibrahim Al-Abdullah and his wife Nadra Abdul Aziz Al Thabet…

Summary

Published
21 March 2019
Civilians reported killed
5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 March 2019

Incident Code

CS1909

Location

الباغوز, Al-Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
During intensive air raids, a farm in Al-Baghouz was struck by air- and artillery fire on the outskirts of Al-Baghouz town. Step News was the only source that reported over 20 civilians were killed in the strike. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights blamed the Coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces while all other sources…

Summary

Published
14 March 2019
Civilians reported killed
20
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 March 2019

Incident Code

CS1908

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported that an alleged Coalition airstrike struck Al-Baghouz camp on the night of March 13th. Sources reported varying numbers of civilian deaths. Several sources reported that up to 100 civilians were killed in the airstrike. One source, Christian Turner, tweeted that 20 civilians were killed. All sources reported that most of the victims…

Summary

Published
13 March 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
20–100
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

11 March 2019

Incident Code

CS1907

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A number of ISIS family members were reportedly killed and injured, following air and artillery strikes on the Daesh stronghold, Al Baghouz camp. Sources blamed both the US-led Coalition and the SDF. Deir Ezzor 24 for example reported: "Killing and injuring a number of the families of # Da'ash who preferred to stay in the…

Summary

Published
11 March 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

10 March 2019

Incident Code

CS1905

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between seven and ten civilians were killed - including children - and as many as 18 were wounded, following air and artillery on Al Baghouz camp. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most media blamed the US-led Coalition, and more than seven sources attributed the blame to both the Coalition and the…

Summary

Published
10 March 2019
Civilians reported killed
7–10
Civilians reported injured
15–18
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

10 March 2019

Incident Code

CS1906

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In what has been described as a massacre, between 50 and 70 civilians were reportedly killed - mostly women and children according to local media - by US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz camp. In addition to this, "dozens" were reportedly wounded. Sources described "devastating bombs of enormous proportions" which bombarded the vicinity in the…

Summary

Published
10 March 2019
Civilians reported killed
50–70
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident