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

2 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1565

Location

التوسعية, Al Tawassiya, Raqqa, Syria
Local sources reported that 16 to 45 people were killed in a mass civilian casualty incident on al Tawassi’ya neighbourhood, Raqqah city. Some reports said that a shelter in the Traffic park area had been struck, while others said two buildings were hit. The lowest overall death toll of “at least 19” came from the…

Summary

Published
2 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
19–45
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1566

Location

مظلوم فوقاني, Mazloum Foqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria
The civilian Abdullah al Jamma was reported to be “under the rubble” of buildings, following airstrikes by unidentified aircraft. Reportedly targeting the town of Mazloum Foqani according to the Euphrates Post. The town sits on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, where the US-led Coalition was still conducting strikes. Mr al Jamma was suspected…

Summary

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

Incident Date

2 October 2017

Incident Code

CI862

Location

الحصيبة, Husaybah, Al Anbar, Iraq
According to several sources, a married couple identified by name were reported killed in central al Qaim following a Coalition or Iraq Air Force strike. According to al Qaim News, the Iraqi air force killed the couple in Qaim district. Al Grbia Al Hadath said the couple died when their home at al Huseiba in central…

Summary

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

Incident Date

2 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1567

Location

‏العشارة‬, near Al Asharah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of a civilian in an event near Al Asharah, Syria. Their December 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a Coalition strike which destroyed ISIS vehicle and equipment it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured." In July 2019, the Coalition…

Summary

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

Incident Date

1 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1559 RS2578

Location

الميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 14 named civilians died in an air and artillery strike in Al Mayadin, local media reported – though it was unclear who was responsible for the event, with sources pointing towards the Coalition, Russia and the regime. Many reports referred only to attacks by “warplanes”. Although no specific sources put the death toll…

Summary

Published
1 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–14
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1560

Location

Al Haweij crossing near al Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two named civilians died in an airstrike on the al Hawaji crossing near al Shaheel in Deir Ezzor, according to local media. It is currently unclear which party was to blame for the deaths. While no source explicitly blamed the US-led Coalition, many didn’t identify the culprit. Other sources, however, pointed to both Russia and…

Summary

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