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

2 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1662 RS2673

Location

المراشدة, Al Mrashda river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to five civilians died in an airstrike on the al Mrashda river crossing in Deir Ezzor, local media said – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, Syrian regime or Russia were responsible. According to Al Hall, the Coalition “targeted the water crossing in the town of Al Mrashda in rural…

Summary

Published
2 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1663 RS2674

Location

باغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Four or more civilians died in an airstrike on al Baghouz, according to local media. While most sources pointed towards the Coalition, one said that it was unclear whether Russia had been responsible. The US-led alliance later admitted killing five civilians in the event. According to Al Hal, “Coalition forces also raided al-Bagouz village in…

Summary

Published
2 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
5–6
Civilians reported injured
20
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1664

Location

Baghouz Fawqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In an incident previously untracked by Airwars, the US-led Coalition admitted on February 22nd, 2018 that it had killed 3 civilians near Baghouz Fawqani. According to the official release, the incident came to light following self reporting by pilots or analysts: "During a Coalition strike which destroyed Daesh bed-down location and killed five Daesh members it was…

Summary

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

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1653

Location

الهري, Al Harri village, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Euphrates Post reported that “artillery shelling from the Iraqi side on the village of Al-Harri killed an old woman and a young woman from the Hilou saleh al Mashouh family and Mohammad Al-Hizam Al Ammash“. Al Araby, blaming shelling by Iraqi forces, put the death toll at three including two women. Eldorar added: “local media…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1654

Location

road near Al Hiri village, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians and the injuries of three others in an event in northeast Mosul. Their May 2018 civilian casualty report noted: "near Al Hiri village, Deir Ezzour, Syria via self-report. During a strike on Daesh-travelled roadway two civilians were unintentionally…

Summary

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

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1655

Location

سويعية, Al Suwei'iya village, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians died in an airstrike on al Suwei’yia village, according to local media. A number of parties were blamed. Euphrates Post didn’t say who was responsible for the airstrike, though Al Araby and Syrian Press Center blamed shelling by Iraqi forces. According to Alaraby, “three civilians, including two women, were killed and three others…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
12
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident