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

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1037

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One identified civilian male was killed following alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported. The source provided no further details.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1038

Location

الجسر الجديد, Al Jisr al Jadid, Raqqa, Syria
A family of civilians – including two women and a child – were killed after alleged Coalition airstrikes struck their house near Al Jisr al Jadeed (the New Bridge), to the south of Raqqa. Several local sources identified the victims by name. According to RFS, the family were trying to escape the city when they…

Summary

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

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1039

Location

التبني, Al Tabani, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Al Tabani. local media reported. According to Baladi, “local media sources said three civilians, including two women, were martyred by the bombing of the international coalition airliner on the village of Tabani in the western suburb of Deir Ezzor.” Al-hokol reported that three…

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1040

Location

كسرة الفرج, Kasrat Faraj, Raqqa, Syria
Between six and eight civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Kasrat Faraj village, according to local media. Multiple sources blamed the US-led Coalition and put the death toll at eight. Some sources added that there was some difficulty recovering bodies due to the presence of YPG snipers.  

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
6–8
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

Incident Code

CS1041

Location

near Raqqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1042

Location

الرقة, near Raqqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 29th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm. According to the Coalition report, “91. June 19, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via media report. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted…

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident