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

16 December 2018

Incident Code

CS1874

Location

البوخاطر, Al Boukhater: Salahudin al Ayubi mosque, Deir Ezzor, Syria
An alleged Coalition airstrike caused the destruction of the Salahudin al Ayubi mosque in Al-Boukhater and killed between 4 and 19 civilians, in what was described "a new massacre". According to most local sources, 17 civilians were killed in the attack. However one source said that 13 of the dead were ISIS fighters. Syrian state news…

Summary

Published
16 December 2018
Civilians reported killed
4–19
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 December 2018

Incident Code

CS1873

Location

حاوي السوسة, Hawi Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported a "massacre" caused by "several missiles directed at the area Hawi Al-Soussa". All sources blamed the Coalition. The alleged airstrike reportedly targeted a house inhabited by displaced persons, and killed a number of civilians, including women and children. No exact numbers were reported. Step News for example noted that Coalition missiles "targeted a…

Summary

Published
14 December 2018
Civilians reported killed
2–6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 December 2018

Incident Code

CS1872

Location

الشعفة زيد بن ثابت, Al Shaafa: vicinity of Zaid Ibn Thabit mosque, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported that 15 people were killed when an airstrike targeted the surrounding area of the Zaid Ibn Thabit mosque (زيد بن ثابت) in Al Shaafa. Most victims were reportedly women and children. All sources blamed the Coalition, although one source, Mena Monitor News, reported that the Coalition and SDF were responsible for the…

Summary

Published
13 December 2018
Civilians reported killed
15
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 December 2018

Incident Code

CS1871a

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of a civilian in an event near Hajin, Syria. The Pentagon later declared this to have been a US-caused incident. Their September 2019 civilian casualty report noted: "Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded…

Summary

Published
12 December 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 December 2018

Incident Code

CS1871b

Location

Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In an event previously untracked by Airwars, the Coalition reported in its monthly civilian casualty report for September 2019 (published November 16th) that it had killed a civilian during an airstrike near Al Shaafah. The Pentagon later declared this to have been a US action. According to the OIR report, “December 12, 2018, near Al…

Summary

Published
12 December 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

11 December 2018

Incident Code

CS1871

Location

الكشمة, Al Kashma, Deir Ezzor, Syria
An alleged Coalition airstrike on a house reportedly killed 15 civilians from one family on the night of December 11th, in Al-Kashma. All sources said that the airstrike was conducted in Al-Kashma, except for Al-Shaafa Facebook page which reported that the event was in the adjacent village of Al-Shaafa. Possibly explaining the confusion, Andolu News…

Summary

Published
11 December 2018
Civilians reported killed
15
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident