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

5 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1587

Location

البدو, Baidou, Raqqa, Syria
Eight or more women were alleged killed following US-led Coalition strikes on the al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city. According to the single source, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, the victims were gathering around a water well for women in the area. This was the third claimed incident over a few days in which a water…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1588

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Four civilians from one family died in the conflict in Raqqah city, local media reported, though at present it is unclear how they died. The majority of sources alleged a land mine explosion was responsible, however, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently suspected ‘bombing” was the cause. Raqqa24, among other sources, named four of the victims.…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1589

Location

الحديقة البيضا, Ar Raqqah: Hadika Al Bayda (White Garden), Raqqa, Syria
It was reported that Radwan Kor Ahmed, in addition to two other civilians, died in al Hadika al Baidaa (the white garden) of Raqqah city following alleged US-led Coalition strikes, local sources said. The two sources tracked both blamed the US-led Coalition. While the deaths were reported on October 8th, sources said the victims had…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 October 2017

Incident Code

CI864a

Location

القائم‎, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
In an incident not previously reported, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Al Qaim. Their December 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a Coalition strike against an ISIS weapon’s facility it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed." On the same day in Al Qaim, Airwars monitored a…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1590

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
The entire family of Nour Mahmoud Al I’llo (pictured), reportedly died following aerial bombardment on the city of Raqqah, according to Raqqa is being Slaughtered Silently. The report added that Nour was transferred from Raqqah to Tal Abiyad National Hospital, and was under the care of Dr Abdul Muttalib Suleiman. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently…

Summary

Published
5 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 October 2017

Incident Code

CI864

Location

Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
According to multiple local sources, one named victim died in an airstrike on Al Qaim. One source identified another possible victim, stating that the named civilian was bombed with his cousin in my uncle’s house from the Jagaifa tribe. There are currently no further details on this incident.

Summary

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