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

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1577

Location

al Hadika al Baidaa, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian named as Farid Sheikho from Jumaili neighbourhood was killed following “artillery shelling” on al Haldika al Baidaa (The White Garden) area in Raqqa, according to multiple local sources. Airwars understands that only the US-led Coalition was using artillery at the time on Raqqah. There is limited information presently available, and this entry will…

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1578

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian named as Hussein al-Ibrahim al Hassan died following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Raqqah city, local media reported. Raqqa Media Center cited “artillery bombardment” as the cause of his death. Airwars understands only the US-led Coaliiton had access to artillery at Raqqah.

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1579

Location

البدو, Al Badou, Raqqa, Syria
Seven civilians, including four children and two women, reportedly died following alleged US-led Coalition air strikes on al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city. Details of the death toll were initially provided by one source only, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which blamed the Coalition. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered also referred to air raids carried out…

Summary

Published
4 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
7–11
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1580

Location

التوسعية, Al Tawosoui'ya neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Fifteen to 16 civilians or more died in an aerial attack reportedly conducted by the US-led Coalition on Al Tawaswiya neighbourhood, Raqqah city, according to local sources. Saeed Ahmed Al Jum’a, his family and another family of relatives were documented killed by the source Marsad Al Hassaka, amongst other reports. According to Smart activists, “the…

Summary

Published
4 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
15–16
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1581

Location

Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local media reported the death of one civilian, Hamed Khabas al-Aliwi, in an airstrike on his home. Sources, reporting on October 8th, said that the victim was killed “a few days ago”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1583 RS2591

Location

البوكمال الباغوز, Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In what has been described as a "massacre" between seven and 55 civilians died, and "dozens" were left injured, following suspected airstrikes on the Al Bagouz water crossing, between Bagouz village and Abu Kamal city, on the northern bank of the Euphrates river. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the…

Summary

Published
4 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
7–55
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident