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

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1640

Location

البدو, Clinics in Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that four bodies were recovered from the Comprehensive Clinics area 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…

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1641

Location

الملعب الاسود, Ar Raqqah: Baladi stadium, Raqqa, Syria
Raqqa RWB reported that three bodies were recovered near Al Mala’ab (the stadium) in Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. According to the report the “initial response team” was unable to identify the names due to “SDF prohibiting filming and getting close to the area“. In…

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1642

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that four bodies were recovered from various areas of Raqqa city, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. In the first of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as "non-credible",…

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1643

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Up to 500 bodies were reported found in two mass graves at Al Rasheed high school football stadium in the city center of Raqqa. A report by M2 Akhbarak quoted Abdullah al-Erian, head of the Reconstruction Committee of the Raqqa Civil Council, stating that “so far about 50 bodies have been removed from the mass…

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1645 RS2642

Location

Abu Kamal, Al Masriya roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between eight and nine civilians died in an airstrike on the al Masriya roundabout in Abu Kamal, according to local media – though sources at the time were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia was responsible. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted:…

Summary

Published
17 October 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
8–9
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1645a RS2645

Location

الغبرة, Al-Ghabra, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Airstrikes struck a residential neighbourhood and popular market in Al-Ghabra - according to local media. As many as four civilians were killed and others were injured. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the airstrikes, some attributing blame to Russian warplanes while others blamed the Syrian regime.  Some sources attributed blame to…

Summary

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