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

26 October 2017

Incident Code

CI872

Location

Al Qaim (Romana area), Al Anbar, Iraq
Sources reported the deaths of 22 civilians and dozens of wounded as a result of an airstrike on the Romana area in Al Qaim. Local media outlets Yaqein and Dhiqar also reported the bombing. Both quoted a military source confirming the airstrike. However, Yaqein, as well as Dhiqar, mentioned both the Coalition and the Iraqi…

Summary

Published
26 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
22
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1649 ISSY002

Location

سحم الجولان, Sahm al Jolan, Daraa, Syria
Local sources reported the death of up to seven civilians, including three women and two children, and up to ten ISIS affiliated militants from Jaish Khalid bin al Walid, as a result of either Coalition or Israeli airstrikes on Sahm al Jolan. The Daraa Martys Documentation Office reported Coalition airstrikes on Sahm al Jolan, “where…

Summary

Published
23 October 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2–7
Civilians reported injured
2
Military actors reported killed
3–10
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition, Israeli Military
View Incident

Incident Date

22 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1648

Location

Qosor neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 22 civilians died and 32 were wounded in an airstrike on the Qosour neighbourhood of Deir Ezzor, according to local media. The regime accused the US-led Coalition of carrying out the strike. However, the Coalition categorically denied it. Other sources point towards the regime Euphrates Post reported that 20 civilians died and 30…

Summary

Published
22 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
14–22
Civilians reported injured
30–32
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1647

Location

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two civilians died in al Busayrah, according to local media – though it was unclear who was responsible. The majority of sources, however, attributed the event to Moscow. Euphrates Post reported by name the death of one civilian male as a result of airstrikes targeted the al Busayrah. RFS Media Office blamed Russia, reporting that…

Summary

Published
19 October 2017
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1646

Location

الشحيل, Al Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, Syria
On October 18, 2017, two to four civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al Shaheel, according to local media, though sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Two men were killed identified by name by multiple sources. Al Sharqiya Observatory said that the victims died from wounds sustained in a Coalition strike.…

Summary

Published
18 October 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2–4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1639

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that four bodies Al Badou neighbourhood of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as "non-credible", stating that the allegation provided insufficient…

Summary

Published
17 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident