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

18 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1506

Location

Al Kahraba neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
A family of five from the city of Aleppo died in the Al Kahraba neighbourhood (the electricity neighbourhood) of Raqqa city, following alleged US-led Coalition strikes, local media reported. Reports stated the strikes also targeted the juvenile prison area, trains street, Hazima roundabout and Al-Sakia street of Raqqa city, in addition to Al Kahraba. Two…

Summary

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

Incident Date

18 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1507

Location

Jamaa al Shamati, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported on the death of a civilian male following alleged US-led Coalition strikes in the Jamaa al Shamati area of Raqqah. Reports of his death came amidst reports of the destruction of Al Shamati mosque in Raqqa city, though only one source connected the death of Ahmed Taher al-Khatib with the destruction of the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

18 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1508

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “International Coalition warplanes bombed Al-Raqqah city after midnight on Monday – Tuesday. This resulted in the death of two persons at least and the injury of others”. The monitor said fighting was taking place “in areas in the vicinity of the centre of Al-Raqqah city, and in…

Summary

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

Incident Date

18 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1509

Location

قریة السیال, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to three civilians were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Sayyal village, according to local media – though there was uncertainty regarding two of the victims’ combatant status. According to Jalaa, on man "of the village of Sayyal died after leaving Abu Kamal for Damascus. His family lost contact with him five days…

Summary

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

Incident Date

18 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1510

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two to three people were killed and others wounded following airstrikes on Al Sha’afa village, Deir Ezzor governorate, according to local media. It was not wholly clear whether civilians or ISIS members died in the event. Moreover there was some discrepancy regarding the location within the village. According to Al Araby, the international Coalition targeted…

Summary

Published
18 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–3
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 September 2017

Incident Code

CI849

Location

القائم, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
Civilian casualties were reported following air raids and/or artillery strikes on the district of Qaim, in the west of Anbar province. Yaqin first reported US occupation heavy artillery shelling on areas of the Anbar, coinciding with the continued displacement of families in the absence of food and medicine. A second Yaqin report alleged civilian casualties…

Summary

Published
18 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–1
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident