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

CI871

Location

القائم, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Al Qaim, Iraq. Their December 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a Coalition strike which destroyed one ISIS VBIED production facility, two ISIS support buildings and ISIS weapons cache it was assessed that one…

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1635

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Euphrates Post, amongst other sources, reported that "the bodies of Ramadhan Sheikh's family were found in the rubble after being lost for nearly two months in the city of Raqqa. They’re from Jabila neighbourhood in Deir Ezzor". DCHRS listed eight victims, including Mr Ramadhan Sheikh, his wife and six of his children. It is currently…

Summary

Published
27 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
7
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1637

Location

Al Heif neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that 10 bodies were recovered in the Al Heif neighbourhood of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred.

Summary

Published
17 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
10
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1638

Location

Al Hadika al Baidaa neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that 21 bodies including women and children were recovered from the Hadika al Baidaa (White Garden) 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…

Summary

Published
17 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
21
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 October 2017

Incident Code

CI870

Location

Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
According to a single source, different areas of Al Qaim were targeted, resulting in possible civilian harm. The vague report noted Victims of aerial bombing of the international coalition aircraft in various areas of Qaim, west of Anbar. At the moment there is limited information on the incident, Airwars will amend the entry when any…

Summary

Published
16 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1627

Location

Al Jumaili, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported the death of one civilian male in an alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqah – possibly a last victim of the assault on the city. Raqqa 24 and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently blamed the Coalition for the man’s death in reports that were published on October 20th and 22nd respectively. Raqqa 24 said…

Summary

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