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

14 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1482 RS2449

Location

طابية شامية, Tabiyeh Shamieh, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local media reported that five people were killed following airstrikes on Tabiyeh Shamieh, Deir Ezzor Governorate. Three of those who died were named in two separate reports from Euphrates Post. Sources said the location of the incident was the “water crossing” at Tabiyeh Shamieh. According to the Syrian Observatory some civilians were “permanently disabled” following…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1483 RS2450

Location

خشام, Kisham, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Ten to 12 civilians, mostly children and women, were reported killed following alleged airstrikes on Khishham, 15 km southeast of Deir Ezzor. The majority of sources accused Russian warplanes of committing the offence. However both the Regime and the US-led Coalition were also mentioned in reporting. Syrian Press Center reported that Russian warplanes used “cluster…

Summary

Published
14 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
10–12
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1484 RS2451

Location

جديد بكارة, Jadid Bakara, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A major civilian casualty incident took place on the village of Jadid Bakara, Deir Ezzor Governorate. Reporting remains contested and various local sources have blamed Russia, the Regime and the US-led Coalition. Between 11 and 15 civilians died, “dozens” were reportedly wounded, and the death toll included at least one women and five children. The…

Summary

Published
14 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
11–15
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1485 RS2452

Location

بقرص تحتاني, Bokros Tahtani, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between seven and nine civilians died including three children and one woman and up to 17 others were wounded in airstrikes on the al Qasr area of Bokros Tahtani, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. The Step News Agency and…

Summary

Published
14 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
7–9
Civilians reported injured
17
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1486 RS2453

Location

البصيرة, Al Basira, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One civilian died in an airstrike on al Basira, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, Russia or the regime were to blame. Reports said that the strikes hit to post office building. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Moen_dndil attributed the event to the Coalition. However,…

Summary

Published
14 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 September 2017

Incident Codes

CS1487 RS2454

Location

مراط, Mrat, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One civilian died in an airstrike on Mrat, according to local media – though it was unclear who was to blame for this death. According to Syrianoor, “Activists confirmed that more than 100 civilians – mostly children and women – died during four massacres committed by Russian warplanes and international coalition aircraft in the city…

Summary

Published
14 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident