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

30 September–16 October, 2017

Incident Code

CS1650

Location

الدرعية, Diriyah, Raqqa, Syria
Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported one adult male was killed in an alleged airstrike. It blamed the Coalition for his death, and said he had died almost a month previously. Raqqa24, reporting the death on October 25th, said that the victim died “a few days ago” - possibly indicating that he had died from his…

Summary

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

Incident Date

29 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1544

Location

المیادین, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Families were reportedly “trapped underneath the rubble” following alleged Russian, regime or US-led Coalition airstrikes on neighbourhoods of Al Mayadin. RFS said Russian and regime aircraft “carried out dozens of heavy air raids on the neighborhoods of Deir al-Zour under the control of the organization Da’ash with cluster bombs and rockets”. The source said that…

Summary

Published
29 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1545

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians named as Abdul Fattah Abdul-Ali Al-Dali and Sufian al-Dali died reportedly due to airstrikes on Raqqah city. The sources did not name a culprit and referred only to “bombing” and “shelling”. There is limited information presently available. Airwars will amend the entry when new information arises.

Summary

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

Incident Date

29 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1546

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian named as Dalal al-Muhammad al-Khamri, age 33, died in the Al Badou neighborhood of Raqqah city, local sources said. The citizen journalist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported his death was a result of “artillery shelling” on the lane al Badu in the neighbourhood. US-led Coalition “warplane missiles” were responsible according to…

Summary

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

Incident Date

29 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1547

Location

الاربعين, Al Mayadin, Al Ara'ain street, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to five civilians died in a strike on a taxi or militant vehicle in Al Arba’ain street, Al Mayadin, local media reported – though it was unclear who was to blame. Most sources didn’t identify who was responsible, though one attributed the event to Russian aircraft. Euphrates Post reported “a military air strike targeted…

Summary

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

Incident Date

29 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1548

Location

الصبحة, Al Sabha, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to six civilians died in an airstrike on Al Sabha, according to local media, though it was unclear who was to blame. Most sources did not identify the warplanes responsible for the attack, thoiugh Qasioun pointed towards the regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights also blamed the regime, and put the death toll…

Summary

Published
29 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
4–6
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident