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

Incident Code

CS942

Location

near Al Mayadin, Syria, Raqqa, Syria

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 June 2017

Incident Code

CS943

Location

near Al Quriyah (Dayr Az Zawr), 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 social media claims of civilian harm “near Al Quriyah (Dayr Az Zawr)”. According to the Coalition report, “101. June 8, 2017, near Al Quriyah (Dayr Az Zawr), Syria, via social media report: After a…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 June 2017

Incident Code

CS944

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 “near Raqqa, Syria” via an NGO report. According to the Coalition report, “102. June 8, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via NGO report: After a review of available information it was…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 June 2017

Incident Code

CS945

Location

near Al Tabaqah, 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 “near al Tabaqah, Syria” via an NGO report. According to the Coalition report, “103. June 8, 2017, near Al Tabaqah, Syria, via NGO report: The casualty reported in this allegation…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 June 2017

Incident Code

CS946

Location

near Dariya, Raqqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on January 25th the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm “near Dar’iya, Raqqah” via an “international organization report”. According to the Coalition report, “69. June 8, 2017 near Dari’ya, Raqqah, Syria via international organization report. After a review of available information,…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 June 2017

Incident Code

CS933

Location

مفرق الجزرة, Al Jazra junction, Raqqa, Syria
Fourteen civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on an internet cafe al Al Jazra junction in Raqqa, according to local sources. Another four reportedly died nearby. All reports pointed towards the Coalition and named the internet cafe as Al-Hason Net. According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), on June 8th the Coalition carried…

Summary

Published
8 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
14–16
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident