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

1 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1558

Location

Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria
Multiple local sources reported that three male civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. Ar Raqqah Truth said that one of the victims, Shadi Mohammed Azo Mokhtash (pictured), came from the Mashlab area.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

30 September 2017

Incident Code

CI861

Location

القائم‎, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
Local sources reported that as many as 50 civilians died in alleged US-led Coalition air strikes on Al Qaim, west of Anbar province. However, there was doubt regarding their combatant status. Yagein said that according to one report, civilians had attempted to return to their homes when targeted and up to 50 died. However, its…

Summary

Published
30 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–50
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

30 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1552

Location

Al Zubari, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One civilian died and at least three were injured in airstrikes on Al Zubari, according to local media – though it was unclear who carried out the attack. Most sources didn’t apportion blame, though one said that Russia had bombed the town. According to the Smart News Agency, “a civilian was killed and others were…

Summary

Published
30 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–10
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

30 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1553

Location

المجاودة, Al Mojawedah/Al Aranessah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local media reported that one displaced woman was killed in a dawn raid on the home of Abbas Freih Al Salama in Al Mojawedah – though most sources did not identify who was responsible for the attack. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the warplanes responsible were “believed to be Russian”.

Summary

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

Incident Date

30 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1554

Location

العشارة, Al A'shara, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Euphrates Post reported that “Abu Islam Al Kazakhi and his wife were killed as a result of a drone strike on Street 25 near the Jabr Mosque in Al Ashara city this morning.” According to Almanar and RN, Abu Islam Al Kazakhi was a member of ISIS. Nobody attributed responsibility for the attack. The US,…

Summary

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

Incident Date

30 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1555 RS2574

Location

بقرص فوقاني, Bokros Foqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria
As many as 12 civilians were killed, including at least three children and two women, in airstrikes on Bokro Foqani, situated in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor. Sources were contested with blame attributed to Russia, the Syrian regime and the US-led Coalition. Most reports were unable to identify the culprit. The news agency Baladi…

Summary

Published
30 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
9–12
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident