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

16 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1629

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Marsad Hasaka reported “the martyrdom of the child Ali Bashir Al-Daman from the village of Massada by the bombing of coalition aircraft on the city of Al-Rigga a few days ago”. Raqqa24, reporting the death on October 25th, said that the victim died “a few days ago”. However the last reported Coalition action in the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1630

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported the the death of a civilian male. Three sources blamed the US-led Coalition for his death.The date of the incident is unknown. Raqqa24, reporting the death on October 25th, said that the victim died “a few days ago”. However the last reported Coalition action in the city was on October 16th, with…

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1631

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah, according to Raqqah is Being Slaughtered Silently. The source reported the deaths on October 25th but didn’t say when the victims were reportedly killed. The Syrian Human Rights Committee also reported that the victims had been killed in a Coalition strike, but again didn’t say…

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1632

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Three civilians may have died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah, according to local media – though there was uncertainty over when the victims died, with one report stating they were still alive. Coordinating the Revolution in the City of Palmyra published “a clarification regarding the family of Mrs. Samira Al-Ali (Alhashosh) and her…

Summary

Published
16 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1633

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported the death of two civilians in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. According to Asharqiya Voice, they died “a few weeks ago”. Writing on Facebook on October 28th, Mohammad al Fahal, reportedly a family member of the victims, said: “My aunt has moved to the mercy of God.. Najah Ramadan al Fahl…

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1626

Location

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A young man died following alleged airstrikes on the village of al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor governorate, according to local media. Reports said that up to five other civilians died in addition to Abdul and that people were fleeing the town while air raids were carried out. A later report from Sharqiya Voice named two families of…

Summary

Published
15 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident