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

Search

2981 incidents
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1040

Location

كسرة الفرج, Kasrat Faraj, Raqqa, Syria
Between six and eight civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Kasrat Faraj village, according to local media. Multiple sources blamed the US-led Coalition and put the death toll at eight. Some sources added that there was some difficulty recovering bodies due to the presence of YPG snipers.  

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
6–8
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

Incident Code

CS1041

Location

near Raqqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1042

Location

الرقة, near Raqqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 29th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm. According to the Coalition report, “91. June 19, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via media report. After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted…

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CI773

Location

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq
Up to 44 civilians, including a young child and his mother, were reported trapped under the rubble following the destruction of houses at al Shifa during an assault on the area. According to Sawefa Ateka, “There is a house in Al-Shifa neighborhood, the house of Saadallah Abu Thaerwhich is near the Al-Naqib Mosque, and the…

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
40–44
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CI774

Location

الفاروق, Mosul, Farouk, Nineveh, Iraq
Locals reported the deaths of 35 civilians during fighting for control of the Farouk area of Old Mosul. Yaqein blamed the deaths on the assaulters, citing an Iraqi commander: "‘Our military operations in the Old City resulted in the killing of 32 people,' the commander of the federal police, Raed Jawdat, told a news briefing."…

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
32–35
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1033

Location

شارع الساقية, Al Sakiya street, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Sakiya Street to the north of Raqqa. The Revolutionary Forces of Syria Media Office reported that the pair were brothers, but none of the sources was able to identify the victims. All sources alleged that the Coalition was responsible.  

Summary

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