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

8,221 – 13,295

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
5,905
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
19,183 – 29,762
Locally reported civilian deaths from U.S.-led Coalition actions in Iraq and Syria.
2,984 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
8,221 – 13,295
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

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CS975

Location

ذيبان‬, Ziban, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians died and several more were injured when an alleged Coalition airstrike hit a water crossing in Ziban town, according to local media. Sana reported that the crossing was “used by residents to reach their agricultural land on the banks of the river”. All sources blamed the Coalition.

Summary

Published
13 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CS976

Location

بقرص تحتاني, Bokros Tahtani, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least one civilian was killed and several others were injured in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Muntafa’a neighbourhood in Bokros Tahtani, to the east of Deir Ezzor. One local source, Qasioun, reported that two civilians were killed, meanwhile, Step News Agency reported that three people died as a result of the airstrikes, but were…

Summary

Published
13 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CS977

Location

دوار الطيبة في الميادين, Mayadin, Al Tayba roundabout, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported that a civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on ISIL members which killed three of its fighters in Al Mayadinn, Deir Ezzor. The victim, Mubarak Khader al Shweiti, was reportedly driving near Al Tayba roundabout when the alleged strike targeted a nearby car carrying the ISIL members, killing all…

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CS978

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Raqqa city, according to a local report. He was named as Ahmed Ali and a picture was provided. No further details are presently known.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CI760

Location

الشفاء, الموصل‎, Al Shafaa, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
A total of 35 people people from an extended family were killed, including 14 children, 9 women and two imams, when a home and street were bombed in the Al Shifa neighbourhood of Mosul. Sources said that the family were sheltering in the basement of the house. Initial claims had placed the toll at 50,…

Summary

Published
13 June 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
35
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CS979

Location

شارع القوتلي, Al Kuwati street, Raqqa, Syria
According to the Smart News Agency, “the SDF shelled several neighbourhoods in the city with artillery shells, mortars and rockets killing eight civilians, including three children and their mother, in Al-Quwatli Street and east of the Post Center.” Sharqiya Voice reported that “YPG militia” used “mortars” on Al Quwatli street, but made no mention of…

Summary

Published
13 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident