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

23–24 November, 2018

Incident Code

CS1850

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
An alleged Coalition airstrike targeted Hajin, Deir Ezzor, with mention of unspecified civilian casualties. All sources blamed the Coalition for the raid. Only one source, Step News, claimed that civilians were killed and wounded: however, figures were not stated. The agency also reported on "large destruction in the vicinity". More than one source on the…

Summary

Published
24 November 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 November 2018

Incident Code

CS1851

Location

بلدة أبو الحسن, Abou Al Hasan town, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Alleged Coalition airstrikes occurred in Abou Al Hasan town. Step News reported that an unspecified number of civilians were killed and wounded, but did not however distinguish between this event and an incident in Hajin, also on November 23rd. All sources signified the alleged use of white phosphorous munitions. In its monthly civilian casualty report…

Summary

Published
23 November 2018
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

23 November 2018

Incident Code

CS1852

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Alleged Coalition airstrikes occurred in Al Soussa which, according to a single source, led to unspecified casualties among a family. According to Free Deir Ezzor Radio,"A new massacre was carried out by Coalition aircraft targeting a civilian family in the town of Al Soussa in the countryside of Deir Ezzor." No additional details are presently…

Summary

Published
23 November 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

22 November 2018

Incident Code

CS1846

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
An alleged Coalition airstrike that targeted the souk (market area) in Hajin, killed between 14 and 20 civilians according to local media, in what was described as "another massacre". The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least 19 people were killed, including five ISIS fighters and 14 civilians, including five children and three women.…

Summary

Published
22 November 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
14–20
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military actors reported killed
5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

21 November 2018

Incident Code

CS1845

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to sources on the ground, "a number of civilians were killed and wounded" as a result of Coalition airstrikes on Hajin. All sources blamed the Coalition, with no specific quantitative information provided. Almost all sources highlighted the alleged use of White Phosphorous munitions. Russia Today for example reported that "Our correspondent in Syria said…

Summary

Published
21 November 2018
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

21–22 November, 2018

Incident Code

CS1848

Location

الحصية في الشعفة, Al Sha'afa: Al Hassiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Six civilians from the same family were reported killed as a result of an alleged Coalition airstrike in Al Hassiya, Al Sha'afa. The date of the incident appears to range between November 21st and 22nd. Local media reported that among the victims were one man, four children and one woman, who were originally displaced from al…

Summary

Published
21 November 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
6
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident