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

29 May 2017

Incident Code

CS885

Location

الحسو, Hiso, Al Hassakah, Syria
Eight members of one family were killed by Coalition strikes in Hasaka province, according to local sources. SRG, Aleppo Media Center and several other outlets reported the death of 8 people following what was described as a Coalition bombardment. Step News said the fatalities were all from the same family, and the pro-regime site Alkhabarts…

Summary

Published
29 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
8
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 May 2017

Incident Code

CS886

Location

زملة, Zemla, Raqqa, Syria
Two people were killed by Coalition strikes, according to local reports. Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered said that two people were killed in a Coalition attack in the town of Zemla, south of Mansoura in Raqqa governorate. It listed the victims as Faisal al-Assaf and an unidentified woman. Other sources, including Tabaqa Media Centre, also…

Summary

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

Incident Date

29 May 2017

Incident Code

CS887

Location

الغراوي, Gharawi, Raqqa, Syria
Four civilians including a mother and her child were reportedly killed by Coalition strikes, according to local reports. Several outlets, including Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered reported that four civilians were killed in Gharawi amid Coalition airstrikes and artillery fire from Kurdish forces. RBSS named the victims. Tabaqa Media Center reported that a mother and…

Summary

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

Incident Date

29 May 2017

Incident Code

CS888

Location

حطين, Huteen, Raqqa, Syria
At least two people were killed in Coalition raids on Huteen, according to local reports. Shaam News Network reported Coalition raids claimed the lives of 6 civilians and wounded others in two locations: “Shukri Busan station, North Al-Sekka and Mazra’at Hittin” Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered reported the death of a man named Yasser al-Kalu…

Summary

Published
29 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 May 2017

Incident Code

CS889

Location

جعيدين, Jaidin, Raqqa, Syria
Between one and three civilians were killed in Coalition strikes at Jaidin, according to local reports. The Syrian Network reported the deaths of 3 civilians including a child in Coalition raids on the village of Jaidin. Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered reported 1 victim, who it identified as Sultan Hammad Al-Obeid Al-Alous. Orient News also…

Summary

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

Incident Date

29 May 2017

Incident Code

CS890

Location

الرقة‎, Shukri Buzan gas station, Raqqa, Syria
Six civilians died and an unspecified number were injured by alleged Coalition airstrikes and artillery shelling by either the US or the SDF, local media said. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently blamed Coalition raids and “artillery of Kurdish militias”, as did @Raqqa_SL , @salal_mftah_ , Radioalkul and other sources. According to Shaam and Sdusyria, “The…

Summary

Published
29 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident