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

4 June 2018

Incident Code

CS1764

Location

الباغوز الفوقاني, Al Baghouz al Foqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to local sources, four civilians were allegedly killed by a Coalition airstrike targeting the center of the town of al Baghouz Foqani. Both Euphrates Post and Deir Ezzor 24 identified two of the people killed as Nader Jassim al-Mardoukh and Hussein Ali al-Mardoukh. In a separate report, Euphrates Post identified the third civilian as…

Summary

Published
4 June 2018
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

3 June 2018

Incident Code

CS1761

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to local sources, Coalition aircraft targeted the town of Al Soussa, which reportedly resulted in two civilians killed and an unspecified number of people injured. Initially Step News Agency reported that civilians were wounded when the towns of al Soussa, Al-Aleyat and Bubradan were targeted by airstrikes. In a later report, the media outlet…

Summary

Published
3 June 2018
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 June 2018

Incident Code

CS1760

Location

قرية هداج, Hadaj village, Al Hassakah, Syria
Local sources reported the deaths of at least two civilians, a married couple, and several others injured as a result of a Coalition airstrike on the village of Hadaj West, which may also be known as Hasan al Ali village. Al Hasaka Arabea, among several other sources, identified the couple as Abdish al-Issa and his…

Summary

Published
2 June 2018
Civilians reported killed
2–5
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 June 2018

Incident Code

CS1759

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to local sources, one man was killed and another seriously injured as a result of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa. Deir Ezzor 24 identified the victim as Mohammed Ali al Khalifa al-Hamada. The report went on to say that “an affiliate of the International Alliance” had targeted one of the town’s internet…

Summary

Published
1 June 2018
Civilians reported killed
1–6
Civilians reported injured
1–15
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

31 May 2018

Incident Code

CS1756

Location

باغوز فوقاني, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to local sources, Coalition airstrikes and artillery shelling on the town of Al Baghouz led to the deaths of up to nine civilians, including two or three children. Coalition officials indicated to Airwars that it is likely that this incident matches one of the following concession of civilian harm. In their February 2019 press…

Summary

Published
31 May 2018
Civilians reported killed
7–9
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

31 May 2018

Incident Code

CS1757

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Multiple sources reported on the death of one civilian as a result of an airstrike on Al Soussa. Euphrates Post and Masar Press both stated that the civilian casualty was a result of a drone strike. Euphrates Post went on to say that the drone had targeted an ISIS vehicle – and that shrapnel from…

Summary

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