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

27 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1536

Location

Imam al Nawawi mosque, al Nahda neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
According to family members and local reports, four civilians including, Fawaz Yousef Sulaiman Al-Zureiqat aka Abu Yusuf, died in a Coalition strike on the al Nahda neighbourhood, near the al Imam al Nawawi mosque. Mr al Zureiqat’s death was also reported by his nephew, who noted that “We note the death of my uncle Fawaz…

Summary

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

Incident Date

26 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1533 RS2530

Location

البلعوم, Al Mayadin, Al Baloum neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to five civilians, including one woman and one child, were reported killed following airstrikes on Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor governorate. The Coalition and Russian warplanes were blamed by local media. According to Al Natek, Russian raids targeted the city resulting in four civilians deaths. Smart also believed the attack was carried out by Russian…

Summary

Published
26 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3–5
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1530

Location

السمرة, Al Raqqah Samra, Raqqa, Syria
Local sources reported that civilians died following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on sites near al Raqqa al Samra district. Subsequent reports documented the death of Hajj Abdullah Ali al-Khalaf al-Mqtash (pictured), with all sources considered the US-led Coalition to be the culprit. Qasioun asserted that a “number of civilians died and more were wounded” after…

Summary

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

Incident Date

26 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1531

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Between 21 and 40 civilians, the majority women and children, were reported killed in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city. Initially the citizen journalist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), reported 40 civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition. According to RBSS, the strikes hit an apartment building and all…

Summary

Published
26 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
21–40
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1532

Location

الصور, Al Soor, Safia neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported “a number of civilians were killed” following airstrikes they believed were likely conducted by US-led Coalition aircraft. According to sources, the bombs contained white phosphorous – a chemical weapon sometimes proscribed under international law. Al Mayadeen, a pro-regime news organisation, reported “the attack [allegedly by the Coalition] led to the deaths of…

Summary

Published
26 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CI854

Location

القائم, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
Local press sources said that dozens of civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Qaem district, west of Anbar during a major offensive by ISF. According to Yagein, residential neighbourhoods of the district were targeted resulting in the death of civilians. Yagein held the Coalition responsibly. Anbar News said houses of the Al…

Summary

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