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

25 November 2018

Incident Code

CS1855

Location

الكشمه, Al Kashma , Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between five and 20 civilians were reported killed in an alleged airstrike which was said to have targeted Al Kashma. All sources blamed the Coalition for the incident. Al Araby reported that "Local sources told Al Araby Al Jadid that the raids left 15 dead civilians, mostly children and women, in addition to dozens of wounded."…

Summary

Published
25 November 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
5–20
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 November 2018

Incident Code

CS1858

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Sources on the ground indicated that between 12 and 14 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin. All but one sources reported that 12 civilians were killed in the airstrike, according to Step News this number was confirmed by sources loyal to Daesh. Jisr TV was the only…

Summary

Published
25 November 2018
Civilians reported killed
12–24
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 November 2018

Incident Code

CS1854

Location

أبو الحسن, Abou Al Hasan , Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between 12 and 30 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike, which one source described as a "massacre of defenseless Sunni civilians". According to Step News, 12 civilians were killed whereas the number of dead exceeded 30 according to Official Al Shaafa Facebook page. Most victims were women and children according to sources…

Summary

Published
25 November 2018
Civilians reported killed
12–30
Civilians reported injured
12–15
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

24 November 2018

Incident Code

CS1853

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Fourteen civilians from the same family were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike which was said to have targeted or struck civilians homes in Al Sha'afa. Jisr TV called the incident an "aerial bombardment" and labeled it a continuation of the recent massacres in Deir Ezzor over recent days. According to multiple sources, the…

Summary

Published
24 November 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
14
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

24–25 November, 2018

Incident Code

CS1857

Location

هجين, Hajin , Deir Ezzor, Syria
A named male civilian was reported killed in a confirmed Coalition air or artillery strike on Hijan when it struck his home. All sources blamed the Coalition for the event. Some sources reported that the incident was on November 24th and others on the 25th. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the Coalition…

Summary

Published
24 November 2018
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 November 2018

Incident Code

CS1849

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between 10 and 19 civilians were reported killed as a result of an alleged Coalition airstrike at al Sha'afa. According to a tweet from @addouniatv, 10 civilians died resulting from the attack.  @DeirEzzor24 and Free Deir Ezzor Radio reported that as many as 18 civilians died. Most other sources put the death toll at 11 civilians,…

Summary

Published
23 November 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
10–19
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident