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

7 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1604

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
The citizen journalist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, documented the death of Ismail Al Sharif (pictured), following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on the city of Raqqah. At present the location of the incident within the city is unknown. Airwars will add to the entry when any new details arise.

Summary

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

Incident Date

7 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1605

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian male named as Mustafa Abdel-Mustafa Al-Dikish (pictured) died following US-led Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, local sources alleged. News of his death came several days later amidst reports of significant material destruction to residential neighbourhoods in the city. Airwars will update the entry when any new information arises.

Summary

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

Incident Date

6 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1592

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Multiple local sources documented the death of eight members of one family following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on the city of Raqqah. Mohammed Jumaa al-Nashif, his wife, his son’s wife, and her five children died reportedly due strikes carried out on their home in the city, though specifics of the location are currently unknown. All…

Summary

Published
6 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
8
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1593

Location

البدو, Baidou, Raqqa, Syria
A mass civilian casualty event reportedly took place on the Al Bedou neighbourhood of Raqqah city, following alleged US-led Coalition strikes, according to multiple local sources. According to local monitors 40 civilians died, with reportedly a total of “around 60” suspected either killed or injured. The strikes were said to have targeted or struck an…

Summary

Published
6 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
40
Civilians reported injured
20
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1594

Location

بتاني, Ar Raqqah: Bitani roundabout, Raqqa, Syria
A family of six, the mother Amal al Huwaidi and her five children died following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on the al Batani roundabout area in al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city. The source Mohammed Alabdullah did not apportion blame, however all others alleged the US-led Coalition responsible. The family were, according to Amnesty International fieldnotes,…

Summary

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

Incident Date

6 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1595

Location

حديقة المرورية, الجميلي, Ar Raqqah: Between Hadika Al Mororia (Traffic Park) and Jumaili neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Four to five civilians were reported killed following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on the area between Al Hadika Al Mororia and Al Jumaili, Raqqah city. According to Syrian Press Center, the “the International Coalition targeted more than 10 air strikes in the northern neighbourhoods of Raqqah” during this time. Later reports from Raqqa is Being…

Summary

Published
6 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident