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

28 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1291

Location

ميادين, Mayadin, Al Masaken, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One civilian died and several others were wounded in airstrikes on Al Mayadin, according to local media – though it is unclear whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. According to Euphrates Post, “The International Alliance launched several air raids around 7am targeting the Al Masaken area near the mosque of Othman bin…

Summary

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

Incident Date

28 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1292

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Three civilians died in alleged Coalition air and artillery strikes on Raqqa, according to local media. @abumuazalraqqa and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that a Coalition airstrike was responsible for the death of Fathi al-Nusan. Initially the name 'Haj Ahmed Laila Salim Ali' was also reported in connection to this incident, but the name…

Summary

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

Incident Date

28 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1293

Location

جامع الشهداء, Al-Shuhada Mosque, Raqqa, Syria
One unnamed civilian reportedly died in artillery shelling in the area of Al-Shuhada mosque, according to local media. Airwars understand that only the Coalition has access to artillery in Raqqa, therefore they would be responsible if this munition was in fact used. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

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

Incident Date

28 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1294

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Multiple reports said that 99 civilians died and approximately 120 had been wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa within the last 72 hours. These numbers, however, are general numbers and Airwars has not, so far, been able to break them down to specific locations. Al Hasaka Rasd, @raassaf77, @freedom_raqqa1, @mogthdarqqat, @alksndr111, @Mohamma26725093 produced carbon…

Summary

Published
28 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–99
Civilians reported injured
0–120
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 July 2017

Incident Code

CI814

Location

الطارمية, Tarmiyah, al Baghdadi, Baghdad, Iraq
According to many sources, up to six civilians died and others reported injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Tarmiyah North in Baghdad. Sources said that a drone strike targeted the home of Tarmiyah council member Jameel Al Shermeet and a gathering of young people at the Narjes restaurant at 10.25pm. The source revealed 6 victim names and…

Summary

Published
27 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
5–6
Civilians reported injured
4–10
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 July 2017

Incident Code

CI815

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq
Residents and press sources said that 13 civilians were killed and others injured by alleged Coalition airstrikes which reportedly targeted houses in the Qaim district, west of Anbar. Yaqein reported: Coalition aircraft bombed areas in the city of Qaim (350 km west of Ramadi), causing extensive damage, a press source said in a statement. The…

Summary

Published
27 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
13
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident