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 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1003

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilian males were reportedly killed in artillery fire reportedly targeting Raqqa. Several local sources identified the names the two victims. None of the sources mentioned a culprit but merely referred to "artillery bombardment".

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1004

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A named civilian female was reportedly killed in artillery fire in Raqqa. No further details are presently known.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1006

Location

مدرسة خالد بن وليد, Ar Raqqah: Near Khaled Bin Waled school, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians during a day of heavy air and artillery fire on Raqqa. Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a strike on an ISIS mortar position, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed by secondary explosions.”…

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 June 2017

Incident Code

CI764

Location

الشفاء, Mosul, al Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of four civilians in an event in near Mosul. Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a strike on an ISIS defensive fighting position, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed.” The Coalition provided Airwars with the location…

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 June 2017

Incident Codes

CS1005 RS2283

Location

السيد عايد, Al-Sayed Alyed in Hatla village, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between two and seven civilians were killed, and an unspecific number of others were wounded, following the bombing by military aircraft on Al-Sayed Alyed. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some attributed blame to the Syrian regime, while others blamed Russia. Many sources also reported on "military aircraft" thus, not attributing any…

Summary

Published
15 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–7
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

15 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1008

Location

قرب من أبو كمال, near Abu Kamal, Syria, Deir Ezzor, 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, “109. June 15, 2017, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via social media report: The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess…

Summary

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