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

14 June 2017

Incident Code

CS984

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According, to Sharqiya Voice, there were “a number of civilian martyrs and wounded after warplanes raided Aisha hospital in al Abu Kamal.” The source went on to report that there were “more than 10 raids” by the Coalition on “the Al Sina’a area, al Hajana and the area around Aisha hospital.” Euphrates Post said that…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 June 2017

Incident Code

CS985

Location

مغسلة العبو, Al Ibbo carwash, Raqqa, Syria
Local sources reported that an unspecified number of civilians were injured by missiles or artillery shells at the Al Ibbo carwash. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that the SDF was shelling the area, while other sources didn’t identify the culprit. However, only the US was using artillery at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 June 2017

Incident Code

CS986

Location

المركز الثقافي, behind cultural center, Raqqa, Syria
Local sources reported that an unspecified number of civilians died in shelling on the area behind the cultural centre in Raqqa. Baladi referred to “heavy artillery shelling”, but was among other sources who didn’t identify the culprit. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently blamed the SDF. However, the Coalition has informed Airwars that only it was…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 June 2017

Incident Code

CS987

Location

شارع القوتلي, Ar Raqqah: Kuwati street/neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Several civilians died in artillery shelling on Raqqa’s Kuwaiti neighbourhood, according to local media. According to RFS, “As a result of the heavy shelling of the city of Raqqa and the fall of dozens of shells from Qudd, a number of civilians were killed in Al-Ajili neighbourhood, Al-Mansour Street, the Cultural Center area, the Grand…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 June 2017

Incident Code

CS988

Location

كراج البولمان, Pullman garage, Raqqa, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians died in artillery shelling on the Pullman garage area of Raqqa, according to local sources. According to RFS, “As a result of the heavy shelling of the city of Raqqa and the fall of dozens of shells from Qudd, a number of civilians were killed in Al-Ajili neighborhood, Al-Mansour Street,…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 June 2017

Incident Code

CS989

Location

كازية الشرطة, Ar Raqqah: Police Station, near the Cultural Centre, Raqqa, Syria
An unspecified number of civilians died in artillery shelling near the police station in Raqqa, according to local media. According to RFS, “Aas a result of the heavy shelling of the city of Raqqa and the fall of dozens of shells from Qudd, a number of civilians were killed in Al-Ajili neighborhood, Al-Mansour Street, the…

Summary

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