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

30 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1687 RS2771

Location

درنج, Daranj, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to five civilians died, and 14 were wounded in an airstrike on Daranj, local media said, though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia. In January 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for the event, noting: "Coalition aircraft engaged ISIS fighters operating a mortar position firing…

Summary

Published
30 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
14
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1684 RS2764

Location

درنج, Daranj, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Five civilians died in an airstrike on Daranj, according to local media, though it was unclear who was responsible, with sources blaming the Coalition, the Syrian regime and one pointing towards Russia. A number of other sources didn’t apportion blame. Euphrates Post and Deir Ezzor named five victims as killed by unidentified “warplanes”: Rami Assaf,…

Summary

Published
26 November 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1685

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One child died in a casualty event in Al Baghouz, according to local media. The Al Sharq al Souri agency reported on November 28th that the victim died from wounds sustained by an artillery shell in the village of Al-Baghouz two days ago. The Syrian Human Rights Committee also blamed an artillery shell for the child’s…

Summary

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

Incident Date

26 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1686

Location

الشعفة, al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 65 civilians including 20 or 21 children and nine women died in a major casualty event in al Sha’afa, local media reported. There was one allegation against the US-led Coalition, and also Egypt. The majority of sources blamed Russia, with @7UFCmSxd0IUBffH saying that a family of 10 were among those killed. Euphrates Post,…

Summary

Published
26 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
42–65
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

22 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1683

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to three civilians died at al Soussa, according to local media – though it was unclear who was to blame for the deaths. According to Syrian Press Center, the regime used artillery shells and rocket launchers on the town. The official page for al Soussa area gave some more detail, reporting that many rockets…

Summary

Published
22 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

22 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1682

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One named civilian died in a casualty event in Al Baghouz, according to local media – though it was unclear who was responsible. There were allegations against Russia, the regime and Iraqi forces. No sources explicitly blamed the Coalition, though some didn’t identify the warplanes responsible. The official page for the al Soussa area reported:…

Summary

Published
22 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident