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

14 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1625

Location

السعدة, Al Sa'ada village, Al Hassakah, Syria
Local media reported unspecified civilian casualties following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes near Al Sa’ada village in the vicinity of Markada, Hasaka governorate, in the early hours of Sunday. People of the villages of Al-Harith, Al-Sa’dah Al-Gharbia, Al-Ashiteh Al-Gharbi, and Jana’a, all close to Markada, were reportedly displaced as a result of the air raids, Euphrates…

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 October 2017

Incident Code

CI869

Location

الحصيبة, Husaybah, main market, Al Anbar, Iraq
According to local media reported that at least 20 fatalities and several wounded occurred following alleged Coalition airstrikes on the city of Al Qaim, Anbar. Yaqein quoted one press statement in which a police source specified that international coalition aircraft bombed the area of Hasayba market. This location, as well as the number of casualties, was confirmed…

Summary

Published
13 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
20
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1623

Location

الحسين, Markada/Husayn, Al Hassakah, Syria
Local media reported civilian casualties in the town of Markadah and nearby al Husain village following alleged US-led Coalition strikes. News of civilian deaths came amidst reports of conflict in the area over the past 48 hours. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented violent clashes between the so-called Islamic State organisation and the US-backed…

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1624

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A named adult male civilian died in the besieged neighbourhoods of Raqqah, according to a local source. Details of his death are presently unknown. Airwars will amend the entry when new information is available.

Summary

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

Incident Date

12 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1621

Location

البدو, Baidou, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that between 25 and 35 or more civilians died in US-led Coalition airstrikes carried out at midday which struck two residential buildings in Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa. Despite this, Amnesty field research has since been conducted which only reported the deaths of 16 civilians, spread over two strikes. The Coalition initially confirmed…

Summary

Published
12 October 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1622

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media named two civilians as killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. The date of the incident is currently unclear: reporting on October 14th, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently said that the victims died “during the past few days”. Raqqa Media Office and SHRC reported their deaths on October 15th, also saying that…

Summary

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