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

22 July 2017

Incident Codes

CS1251 RS2357

Location

لصبخاوي, Sabkhawi, Raqqa, Syria
At least two civilians including one child died during a night time airstrike on Sabkhawi, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were responsible. Smart, the Shaam News Network and R.Tahrir.Alsham blamed the Coalition for the strike. However, Baladi, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and…

Summary

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

Incident Date

22 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1252

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male died 24 hours after sustaining a shrapnel injury in Raqqa, according to local media. @AbuMuaazalraqqa reported that the victim died “as a result of being hit by shrapnel from a mortar shell fired by a SDF militia that targeted his home”. However air and artillery strikes were also reported in the vicinity…

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1244

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Al Baadoum, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported that the Coalition carried out multiple strikes in Mayadin, though the number of civilian casualties was unclear. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “the international Coalition carried out strikes at 6:30 am on Friday July 21st targeting a house seized by Islamic State in Mayadin”. Syrian PC said that the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1245

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was killed in Raqqa following “bombing” and “shelling”, local media reported. Raqqa24 said that he died in “artillery shelling”. Other sources pointed towards the SDF. However Airwars understands that only the Coalition is using artillery at Raqqa.

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1246

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa according to local media. All sources blamed the Coalition, though offered little detail on the event.

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 July 2017

Incident Code

CS1247

Location

قصر البنات, Ar Raqqah: Qasr Al Banat (palace), Raqqa, Syria
Baladi reported that eight civilians including three children and their parents were killed in artillery shelling by the “Quds militia” which reportedly targeted their homes in Qaser Al-Banat. Airwars understand that only the Coalition is using artillery in Raqqa.

Summary

Published
21 July 2017
Civilians reported killed
8
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident