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

2 August 2017

Incident Codes

CS1322 RS2381

Location

قرية التبني, Al Tabani, Shihah junction and other locations, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 20 civilians died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on the village of Al Tabani, according to local media – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Coalition were to blame. Rami asssaf, @Ahmad_Zahlan and @HAMZH7711 blamed the Coalition, with @Ahmad_Zahlan reporting that white phosphorus had been used. However, the majority…

Summary

Published
2 August 2017
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
12–20
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 August 2017

Incident Code

CI821

Location

الكرابلة, Karabla, Al Anbar, Iraq
Dozens of civilians were allegedly killed in airstrikes in Karabla, Qaem, local media reported – It was unclear who was responsible. According to Yaqein, A number of civilians, including children, were killed and wounded after warplanes targeted al-Qa’im west of Anbar in light of continued attacks by joint forces supported by the international coalition. The…

Summary

Published
2 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
12–24
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1317b

Location

الفردوس, near Raqqa, Syria, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian near Raqqa. In its February 2019 report, the Coalition noted the following: “the Coalition conducted one artillery strike on ISIS defensive fighting positions. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed as a result of this strike” It was later…

Summary

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

Incident Date

1 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1311

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, according to multiple local sources. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

1 August 2017

Incident Codes

CS1316a RS2379

Location

الخميسية, Al-Khamesiya, Raqqa, Syria
A "number" of civilians were killed and wounded in an airstrike in al Khamissiya, east of Raqqa City - though it was not clear who was responsible. Some sources attributed responsibility to the Coalition, some to Russia and some to Assad's regime. Raqqa24 reported that there was "mass destruction" in al Khamissiya from Coalition aircraft…

Summary

Published
1 August 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 August 2017

Incident Code

CS1312

Location

حارة البوسرايا, Al Bousraya area, Mo'ataz street, Raqqa, Syria
In a major casualty incident, between 10 and 50 civilians died, including entire families, and dozens more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike in the Al Bousraya area of Raqqa, according to local sources. Since further research was conducted by Amnesty it appears only 16 civilians were living in the building which was struck.…

Summary

Published
1 August 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
10–50
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident