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

22 May 2017

Incident Code

CS849

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least two children and one woman were reportedly killed and 13 civilians were injured in alleged Coalition strikes in Al Mayadeen city in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, according to local media. Sharqiya Voice reported that the children were from the A’Llash family living in Al Arba’een Street (40th Street) and all nine…

Summary

Published
22 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
13
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

21 May 2017

Incident Code

CS842

Location

كديران, Kdeiran, Raqqa, Syria
Up to 15 civilians died and dozens more were injured in alleged Coalition airstrike on Kdeiran village, local media reported. In January 2019, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: "Coalition aircraft engaged with what was positively identified as an ISIS Headquarters. Coalition munitions destroyed the building. Regrettably, nine civilian bystanders in the streets…

Summary

Published
21 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
10–15
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

21 May 2017

Incident Code

CS843

Location

السلحبية الشرقية, Al Sallhabiya, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was reported killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Al Salhabiya Al Sharqiya village in western Raqqa. Although all three said the victim was killed as a result of air raids, only Sharqiya Voice alleged the Coalition was responsible. It reported that Coalition airplanes provided aerial cover to the YPG Kurdish militia units…

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 May 2017

Incident Code

CS844

Location

علي الغانم, Ali Al Ghanem, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians were killed and four were injured – in addition to two members of ISIL – in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Ali Al Ghanem village, 50km east of Raqqa, according to local reports. Two sources, Draas News Agency and Smart News Agency, reported that the Coalition was responsible. Meanwhile, the remainder of the sources…

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 May 2017

Incident Code

CS845

Location

الرويح, Al Ruweih, Al Hassakah, Syria
Four civilians, including two women, were killed and at least three more were injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Al Ruweih village, which lies in the countryside near Al Shadadi city, local media said. A number of local sources named three victims of the Al Alewi al Abd Family. A fourth member of the al Alewi…

Summary

Published
21 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
3–4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

21 May 2017

Incident Code

CS846

Location

مزارع الروضة, Mazare al Rawda, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian man was reportedly killed and a number of others injured by alleged Coalition airstrikes in Raqqa city. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and Al Raqqa Truth named the victim who was from the Rumaila neighbourhood, and have provided a photo of him. Both sources, alongside the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, alleged that…

Summary

Published
21 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident