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

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CI855

Location

الجماهير, Al Jamahir, Al Anbar, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of one civilian in an event near Al Jamahir, Iraq. Their December 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS headquarters, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured." In July 2019, the Coalition provided…

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1524

Location

Al Mayadin, Central, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Ten civilians – mostly women and children – reportedly died and dozens more civilians were injured in multiple airstrikes on different locations in Al Mayadin, local media reported, though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia was responsible. Qasiuoun laid the blame with the Coalition, reporting that jets struck “the comprehensive pharmacy”…

Summary

Published
25 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
10
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1525

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least one civilian was killed with perhaps four or more additional casualties after a Coalition airstike near Al Hana hospital in Abu Kamal, according to local media. While a number of sources didn’t identify the culprit, at least two attributed the incident to the US-led Coalition. In July 2018 the alliance accepted responsibility for…

Summary

Published
25 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1526

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, Raqqa24 and the Shaam News Netowork, a number of civilians were killed and wounded when they were hit with artillery shells as they gathered to collect water in Raqqah’s al Badou neighbourhood. Athr Press attributed the event to ground forces, saying that “four civilians were killed and others…

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1527

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
More than 32 civilians died in alleged US-led Coalition strikes on the city of Raqqah, according to local media. Field research by Amnesty International has since confirmed many of the civilian deaths. The civilians were in the basement of a building near Maari School when the airstrike hit, causing the building to collapse on them,…

Summary

Published
25 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
32–35
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1528

Location

Sikat al Qitar street, Raqqa, Syria
According to the Step News Agency, the Coalition carried out “several raids on the al Shuhadaa mosque neighbourhood, Sikat al Qitar street north of the city of Raqqah. There is news of casualties.” A subsequent tweet by @818klhaifa reported the same allegation against the Coalition.

Summary

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