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

5 June 2017

Incident Code

CS924

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
On August 30th 2018, the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of possible civilian harm. In the report, the Coalition wrote: “June 5, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via media report. After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find civilians were harmed in this…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 June 2017

Incident Code

CI749

Location

Mosul, Mishahda, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on of civilian harm claims “near Mosul, Iraq” via a media report. According to the Coalition report, “13. June 5, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via media report: The report contains insufficient information of the time,…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 June 2017

Incident Code

CI750

Location

near Mosul, Iraq, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 29th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on of civilian harm claims “near Mosul, Iraq” via a media report. According to the Coalition report, “99. June 5, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via media report: After a review of available information and strike…

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 June 2017

Incident Code

CS916

Location

كسرة شيخ (جمعة), Kasrat Sheikh (Juma'a), Raqqa, Syria
According to the Smart News Agency, “A local source said that Coalition aircraft bombed a poultry and sheep farm in the village of Qusra Jomaa, in the western province of Rifqa, killing four civilians and wounding two others seriously.” No further details are currently known.

Summary

Published
4 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

4 June 2017

Incident Code

CS917

Location

أبو النيتل, Abu al Naital, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between one and three civilians died in a Coalition airstrike on Abu al Naital, local media reported. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: "Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh facility. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of the strike." The…

Summary

Published
4 June 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

4 June 2017

Incident Code

CS918

Location

north of Raqqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of four civilians in an event north of Raqqa. Their November 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a Coalition strike that engaged a Daesh tactical unit, it was assessed that four civilians were unintentionally killed." In July 2019, the Coalition provided…

Summary

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