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

8 March 2018

Incident Code

CS1738

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two local sources reported “several civilian casualties” including fatalities as a result of alleged Coalition airstrikes on ISIS at Hajin. According to 7al the bombardment had targeted an ISIS HQ “killing six elements inside three of them Moroccan nationals,” later adding that the same shelling had caused civilian casualties near “the entrance of the city”.…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 March 2018

Incident Code

CS1739

Location

.السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A single source reported on the shelling of Al Soussa on March 8th, which allegedly resulted in “a number of civilian casualties”. According to 7al, the same shelling that targeted Hajin had also struck al Soussa in the countryside of Abu Kamal, killing or injuring a number of civilians. The site noted the following: "The…

Summary

Published
8 March 2018
Civilians reported killed
0–2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
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Incident Date

6 March 2018

Incident Code

CS1736

Location

الشفعة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Four families of Tajik nationality were reportedly killed as a result of airstrikes on the town of Al Sha’afa, according to local sources. All reports stated that the non combatant victims were related to members of so-called Islamic State. Although the sources implied that women and children were harmed by the bombardments, no names, photos…

Summary

Published
6 March 2018
Civilians reported killed
12–16
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 March 2018

Incident Code

CS1737

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to three sources, a married couple was killed in an alleged March 6th Coalition airstrike on Hajin. According to the reports, the couple originally came from the town of Mushin, Deir Ezzor. Reports did not overtly specify whether both casualties were non-combatant civilians. However, they did mention the “martyrdom” of the couple. Deir Ezzor 24…

Summary

Published
6 March 2018
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

3–5 March, 2018

Incident Code

CS1735

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A young man, identified as Omar Mohammed Ali Al Dakhoul, originally from Al Bu Ammru, was killed in an airstrike on the town of Al Baghouz, according to three local sources. None of the reports however specified on which date the bombardment took place, only mentioning that the man was killed “days ago”. Statements by…

Summary

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

Incident Date

2 March 2018

Incident Code

CS1734

Location

قرية عفرة, Afra Al Barjari Village, Al Hassakah, Syria
Local sources reported that up to two civilians were killed and between one to four seriously injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Afra al Barjari, on the evening of March 2nd. Multiple sources identified some of the adult male victims. The civilians were said to have been in their car when…

Summary

Published
2 March 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
1–4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident