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

24 May 2017

Incident Code

CS858

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least 14 civilians, including four women and five children from entire families were killed in airstrikes targeting Al Mayadin, 45km southeast of Deir Ezzor city, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether the Coalition or the Assad regime or even Iraqi warplanes were responsible. Ahmad al Shabli and the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

24 May 2017

Incident Code

CS859

Location

Ar Raqqah - Deir ez-Zor road, Raqqa, Syria
A single source, the Euphrates Post, reported that “international coalition planes targeted a civilian car on al Shuweit -al Duweir road yesterday killing the driver instantly. He was displaced from the city of Deir Ezzor.” No further details are currently available.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

24 May 2017

Incident Code

CS860

Location

المراقة, Al Mraka, Raqqa, Syria
Local sources reported the death of “Mohammed Al-Thiab and his entire family and the old woman Sabha Al-Hajji” in an alleged Coalition airstrike on their home in Al Mraka village. According to Alaraby, “A man and a woman were also killed and others injured after a raid by the International Coalition in Al Mraka village…

Summary

Published
24 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

24 May 2017

Incident Code

CS861

Location

Road between Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, Raqqa, Syria
Sound and Picture reported that the Coalition targeted five cars “full of Yazidi girls”, killing two girls. No further details are currently available.

Summary

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

Incident Date

24 May 2017

Incident Code

CS862

Location

Raqqah, Tashih, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on April 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of a self-reported civilian harm claim “near Raqqa, Syria”. According to the Coalition report, “ 110. May 24, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via self-report: After a review of available information and strike video it was…

Summary

Published
24 May 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 May 2017

Incident Code

CS853

Location

الدوير, Al Duweir, Raqqa, Syria
One 30-year-old civilian died after his motorbike was struck at Al Duweir checkpoint between al Salhiya and al Qouriya, according to local sources. In February 2019, the Coalition conceded this death, noting: "Coalition forces had intelligence on an ISIS member traveling via motorcycle in Mayadin. Coalition aircraft struck the motorcycle. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally…

Summary

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