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

3 June 2017

Incident Code

CS908

Location

الملعب الاسود, Al Mala'ab al Aswad, Raqqa, Syria
Local sources reported that one civilian – reportedly from the city’s al Dari’ya neighbourhood – was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the Al Mala’ab al Aswad playing fields area of Raqqa. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

3 June 2017

Incident Code

CS909

Location

مسبح الشراع, area behind al Shira' swimming pool, Raqqa, Syria
Between 15 and 20 civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on the area behind al Shira’ swimming pool in Raqqa, according to local media. Euphrates Post, Mohab Naser and Step News Agency said 15 non-combatants died in Coalition raids on residential homes. LCCSY – also blaming the Coalition – put…

Summary

Published
3 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
15–20
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

3 June 2017

Incident Code

CS910

Location

الجسر القديم, Al Tayyar and al Jisr al Qadim, Raqqa, Syria
Several civilians died and were injured in airstrikes and/or an artillery bombardment on the al Tayyar and old bridge area of Raqqa. It is currently unclear from reports who was responsible, though there were allegations against the US-led Coalition. The Step News Agency reported that “several civilians” died in a strike by the Coalition, but…

Summary

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

Incident Date

3 June 2017

Incident Code

CS911

Location

امن الدولة, Amn al Dawa, Raqqa, Syria
Al Raqqa Truth reported that one civilian died after being hit by shrapnel following an airstrike. The source didn’t identify the culprit of the raid. Q_Alenzy reported that “Air strikes targeted the State Amn Al Dawla building near the Al-Roos pool northwest of the city center” – though this report may be referring to the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

3 June 2017

Incident Code

CS912

Location

الحسو, Al Hisso, Al Hassakah, Syria
Al Hassaka Rasd reported that the “international coalition targeted al Hisso village in the southern Al Shadadi countryside and that there was news about deaths and injuries among civilians.” Abdalali reported a Coalition strike on Al Hisso but made no mention of civilian casualties.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

3 June 2017

Incident Code

CI746

Location

الشفاء والزنجيلي, Mosul, Zanjili and Shifa, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that more than 300 civilians were killed during two days of fighting in Zanjili and Shifa neighborhoods, in West Mosul. The loss of life was reportedly caused by ISIL shooting on fleeing civilians, as well as by airstrikes carried out by Iraqi Forces and the international Coalition. Sawlf Ateka Facebook page quoted…

Summary

Published
3 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
250–300
Civilians reported injured
106
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident