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

9 December 2017

Incident Code

CS1693

Location

سويدان جزيرة, Suwaydan Jazeera, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Euphrates Post reported the death of “Haj Hamad Taha al-Salem from the town of Suwaydan Jazira, who was killed as a result of air strikes targeting the perimeter of Al-Huda mosque (also known as al-Sayyid mosque)”. The victim was also named by Asharq al Arabi. According to Al Araby al Jadid, “a civilian was killed…

Summary

Published
9 December 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 December 2017

Incident Code

CS1692

Location

ابو حمام, Abu Hamam, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to the Step News Agency, “The International Air Force bombed the towns of Abu Hammam, Hajin and Alshakiya in the eastern countryside and no damage was reported.” However, Al Haal and Qasioun said that SDF artillery strikes wounded a number of civilians. Airwars understands that the SDF does not have access to artillery, therefore…

Summary

Published
6 December 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 December 2017

Incident Codes

CS1691 RS2779

Location

الجردي, Al Jarthi, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 24 civilians died in an airstrike on Al Jarthi town, local media reported – though it was unclear whether the Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The majority of sources, however, attributed the event to Moscow. According to Al Haal, “Abu Hassan al-Khalifa (a resident of the town) told al-Hal, that…

Summary

Published
5 December 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
23–24
Civilians reported injured
10–30
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 December 2017

Incident Code

CS1690

Location

Abu Hamam or Al Kashkiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Abu Hamam and al Kashkiya, local media reported. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “International Coalition’s warplanes targeted areas in the towns of Abu Hamam and Al-Kashkia, killing three citizens including two women, and injuring others”. One woman was specifically reported killed…

Summary

Published
2 December 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 December 2017

Incident Code

CS1688

Location

غرانيج / درنج, Daranj (possibly غرانيج Granij), Deir Ezzor, Syria
One child died in a Coalition airstrike according to local media. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported "a child died on December 3rd, due to wounds sustained from International Coalition warplanes which fired missiles on Darnaj village in Deir Ez-Zour governorate eastern suburbs on December 1, 2017". In June 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility…

Summary

Published
1 December 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 December 2017

Incident Code

CS1689

Location

البرهوم, al Burham, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In its July 26th, 2018 civilian casualty statement, the Coalition self-reported an incident of civilian harm on the banks of the Euphrates river, near the crossing between the villages of Al Burham ( البرهوم ) and Abu Hasan ( أبو حسن ). The report noted: "December 1, 2017, near al Burham, Syria, via self-report. During…

Summary

Published
1 December 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident