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

8,220 – 13,294

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 2,984 separate alleged incidents.

1,725 – 2,367
children likely killed
1,123 – 1,464
women likely killed
5,904
likely injured
3,757
named victims

U.S.-led Coalition estimate of civilian deaths

1,454

Confirmed civilian deaths, from U.S.-led Coalition actions in Iraq and Syria, originating from 360 separate incidents of civilian harm.

402
civilians confirmed injured
Alleged deaths
19,182 – 29,761
Locally reported civilian deaths from U.S.-led Coalition actions in Iraq and Syria.
2,984 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
8,220 – 13,294
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by U.S.-led Coalition
1,538 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
2,391 – 2,815
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
434 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
7,870 – 12,564
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
778 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
696 – 1,083
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
233 seperate alleged incidents

Civilian Casualty Incidents — U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Start Date

End Date

Strike Type

Causes of Death / Injury

Strike Status

Civilian Harm Status

Belligerent Assessment

Casualty

Infrastructure

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2981 incidents
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

7 September 2017

Incident Code

CI840

Location

Rawah, Al Anbar, Iraq
Local media reported that an unidentified aircraft carried out an airstrike on a residential district in Rawa, killing up to seven civilians and wounding three more. Yaqin was the only source to attribute responsibility, blaming Iraqi forces, There was shelling by government aircraft targeting residential areas in the district of Rawa, west of Anbar, killing…

Summary

Published
7 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
6–7
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 September 2017

Incident Code

CI841

Location

Abassi, Kirkuk, Iraq
At least 12 and as many as dozens of civilians were reported killed following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Abbasi, Huweija in the Tamim province. According to Al-Rafiden the Coalition launched 17 raids on the Huweija area. The Coalition was accused by the outlet of a bombardment on the city, that killed and wounded dozens…

Summary

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

Incident Date

6 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1452

Location

Al Houssainiyah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One civilian, was killed by alleged airstrikes on the al Houssainiyah village, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. According to local sources, he was killed in “his his home by shrapnel” after the strikes hit. The US-led Coalition were not documented as the culprit however, and nor was any other actor, with only “warplanes” and “airstrikes”…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1440

Location

مسجد الامام النووي, Ar Raqqah: Near Imam Al Nawawi mosque, Raqqa, Syria
Ten civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike in the Nahdah neighbourhood of Raqqa. Initially only reported on by one source, 3 of the victims were identified: Ahmad Al Tufi, also known as Lattoufi Lattoufi (adult, male), his wife and Layal Ramzi Ahmed Al Tufi (adult, female). During investigations of this event for…

Summary

Published
3 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
10
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1446

Location

Al Naim roundabout, Raqqa, Syria
Between 12 and 14 people, including women and children, reportedly died in suspected US-led Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa City’s Naim roundabout area. According to local reports, the Coalition targeted downtown Raqqa close to the al Naim roundabout where civilians were present, reportedly injuring “dozens” in addition those killed. Wagea news said “International Alliance aircraft” was…

Summary

Published
5 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
12–14
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1447

Location

Al Kasra, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Euphrates Post reported two civilians killed "as a result of air strikes on the town of Al-Kasra yesterday”. One of the comments below the post challenged one of the fatality reports, saying that on of the named civilians, Shihab Khalaf al Mahmoud was instead just lightly injured. The home was destroyed, the relative said. No further…

Summary

Published
5 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident