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

18 January 2018

Incident Code

CS1715

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In a previously unknown incident, the Coalition reported in May 2018 that it had killed one civilian in Hajin. According to the monthly civilian casualty report: “January 18, 2018, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh-held building a scooter entered the impact area moments before the impact. One civilian was unintentionally…

Summary

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

Incident Date

13–14 January, 2018

Incident Code

CS1713

Location

هجين, Hajeen, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Five named civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajeen, sources on the ground said. The earliest report of casualties was on January 13th, though some reports later claimed the event was on the 14th or even the 15th. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “five civilians, including a woman, were killed…

Summary

Published
13 January 2018
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 January 2018

Incident Code

CS1714

Location

السوسة, al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One civilian died and several more were wounded in an airstrike on al Soussa, according to local media. One victim was named locallly as Saleh Ibrahim Mohsen Al-Faris. Deir Ezzor 24 blamed the Coalition for his death, though other sources didn’t identify the culprit. According to Al Sharq al Souri, shells landed on the victim’s…

Summary

Published
13 January 2018
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

10 January 2018

Incident Code

CS1709

Location

غرانيج, Granij, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Twenty civilians were said to have died in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Granij, according to some local media. The high end claim appeared to have originated with ISIS. According to Euphrates Post, “a number of civilians were killed as a result of air strikes likely belonging to the International Alliance aimed at the town of…

Summary

Published
10 January 2018
Civilians reported killed
20
Civilians reported injured
30
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

10 January 2018

Incident Code

CS1710

Location

السوسة, al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Several civilians were killed and injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on al Soussa, local media claimed. According to Euphrates Post, “The daughter of Jassem al-Aziz was injured as a result of air strikes targeting one of the orchards in the town of al Soussa yesterday [January 10th].” Euphrates Post didn’t identify the culprit, though Qasioun…

Summary

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

Incident Date

10 January 2018

Incident Code

CS1711

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to Lawhat Bukmalna, “Coalition air strikes targeted several positions of Iranian groups in the city of Abu Kamal. There were reports of civilian deaths”. Lawhat Bukmalna went on to report that the following sites were struck: Near al Hajana Near the school of Zeinab The Tuweiba area The Mosque of al Mustafa The area…

Summary

Published
10 January 2018
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident