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

28 April 2017

Incident Code

CS744

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
According to the Smart News Agency, a “likely” Coalition airstrike on the municipal stadium in Raqqa killed two members of ISIL who were in a car which was destroyed, and wounded five civilians who were in buildings overlooking the stadium. No further details are currently available.

Summary

Published
28 April 2017
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

28 April 2017

Incident Code

CS745

Location

الفرقة, District 17, Raqqa, Syria
The Smart News Agency reported that “warplanes, believed to belong to the Coalition, targeted a water transport vehicle belonging to the organization [IS], while it was heading to the ’17th Division’, which it controls, killing its driver, who works in the organization’s service brigades and his seven-year-old son”. No further details are currently available.

Summary

Published
28 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

28 April 2017

Incident Code

CS746

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria
The Smart News Agency reported that “earlier today, a number of civilians were killed and wounded by the SDF and an aerial bombardment, likely to be by the Coalition on the town of Al Tabaqa (55 km west of Al-Raqqa), which they are trying to gain control over.” Giving context, Qasioun reported that “Coaltion aircraft…

Summary

Published
28 April 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 April 2017

Incident Code

CS737

Location

دبسي عفنان, Debsi Afnan, Raqqa, Syria
Between one and three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Debsi Afnan, according to local sources. The Smart News Agency reported the death of one non-combatant and injury of two more in a Coalition raid. However, according to Qasioun, three civilians died. It also pointed towards the Coalition.

Summary

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

Incident Date

27 April 2017

Incident Code

CS738

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria
According to the Smart News Agency, four civilians including a teacher died in an alleged Coalition airstrike near the Badia school. Three houses were also reportedly destroyed. No further details are currently available.

Summary

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

Incident Date

27 April 2017

Incident Code

CS739

Location

البوعاصي, Al Bu A'ssi, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Bu A’ssi village, according to the Smart News Agency. No further details are currently available.

Summary

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