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

23 August 2017

Incident Code

CI834

Location

الكرابلة, Mahdi school area of Karabla, Al Anbar, Iraq
Five civilians, including three women, were reported killed following airstrikes on Karabla. In particular, the Mahdi School was said to have been hit. Sources described heavy shelling by warplanes. While the Yagein news agency referred to government aircraft as the perpetrators, it was not clear from other reports who was responsible for the strike, however.…

Summary

Published
23 August 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1410

Location

Tib Al-Hadeeth, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tib Al Hadeeth in the city of Raqqa, according to multiple local sources. No additional details are presently known. In June 2019 the Coalition announced that it had assessed this allegation of civilian harm to be non-credible, noting "After a review of all available…

Summary

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

Incident Date

23 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1411

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Up to 16 civilians died and up to 64 were wounded in alleged Coalition air and artillery strikes in Raqqa between August 23rd and 24th, local media reported. It should be noted that these are general numbers and may encompass other casualty events; moreover, locations of these deaths in Raqqa are currently unclear. Euphrates Post…

Summary

Published
23 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
15–16
Civilians reported injured
60–64
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1408

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
On August 23, 2017, six members of the Lafi family were among up to 11 civilians reported killed in air raids on the city of Mayadin, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the Coalition, the Syrian regime or even Russia were responsible. Although Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported…

Summary

Published
23 August 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
5–11
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1409

Location

Mulla Zaid near Tal Jayer, Al Hassakah, Syria
Twelve civilians were reported killed in an alleged US-led Coalition airstrike near the village of Mulla Zaid, close to Tal Jayer town. The dozen people who died were travelling in a vehicle, described as a “closed car” or “van”, when they were hit. Zamanalwasl referred to the victims as displaced people though did not mention…

Summary

Published
23 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
12
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

22 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1398

Location

السخاني, Sukhani neighbourhood, near Hani mosque, Raqqa, Syria
In a major casualty incident, as many as between 33 and 60 civilians, including many women and children, died following US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al-Sakhani, Raqqa. Almost a year later the US-led alliance accepted responsibility for 33 deaths. According to Baladi, the strike was near the Al-Hani mosque, while Qasioun reported that one of the…

Summary

Published
22 August 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
33–60
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident