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

19 May 2016

Incident Codes

CS214 RS0806

Location

الحمرات, Al Hamrat (Ar Raqqah), Raqqa, Syria
Five civilians (from the same family) including three children and one woman died in airstrikes on Al Hamrat according to local sources – though reports were confused with conflicting allegations that Russian, the regime or the Coalition had carried out the attacks. Qasioun said a Russian fighter targeted residential neighborhoods in the village, resulting in…

Summary

Published
19 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 May 2016

Incident Code

CS212

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Multiple sources reported that Coalition aircraft were responsible for the deaths of up to seven members of two families following a dawn airstrike near the post office building in Al Bukamal. The target appears to have been a key Islamic State figure, whose family members died in the attack. According to Shaam News, “Activists said…

Summary

Published
16 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
4–7
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 May 2016

Incident Code

CS213

Location

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians near as Shadadi. Their December 2016 civilian casualty report noted: "During a strike on seven ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were inadvertently killed. One civilian passenger in the vehicle was killed…

Summary

Published
16 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

11 May 2016

Incident Code

CI237

Location

الرطبة, Ar Rutbah, Al Anbar, Iraq
According to local sources, a Coalition airstrike at Ar Rutbah resulted in the deaths of seven civilians and the injuring of an additional 13. News of Iraq reported that the attack destroyed the house of Aref Abrash in Methaq neighbourhood, and the home of Abdullah al-Fayad near the Mustafa mosque. A propaganda video issued by…

Summary

Published
11 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
13
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

11 May 2016

Incident Code

CS211

Location

دابق‎, Dabiq, thread making workshop, Aleppo, Syria
One or more civilian non-combatants were reported killed – and at least two others injured – after an alleged Coalition air raid on the village of Dabiq. Step News, citing an Islamic State source – said seven civilians were also injured in the event. Another source said the civilian casualties occurred when a workshop for…

Summary

Published
11 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 May 2016

Incident Code

CS210

Location

احتيملات, Ahtemlat, Aleppo, Syria
Six civilians including up to 5 children died in a reported night time Coalition strike at Ahtemlat in Aleppo governorate. Graphic images showed the bodies of at least two infants being recovered. According to the Syrian Observatory, “SOHR activists were informed that no less than 4 IS including a commander were killed by aerial bombardment…

Summary

Published
7 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident