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

CS980

Location

مكتب البريد وشارع القوتلي, the post office, 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.” No further details are currently available, although it should be noted that only the Coalition and not…

Summary

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

Incident Date

Incident Code

CI761

Location

Mosul, Al Shifa, Nineveh, Iraq

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CS981

Location

Raqqah, Yarmuk, 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, ” 106. June 13, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via NGO report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were…

Summary

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

Incident Date

12 June 2017

Incident Code

CS969

Location

قصر البنات, Ar Raqqah: Qasr Al Banat (palace), Raqqa, Syria
An entire family of six civilians – including three women and two girls – was killed in alleged Coalition air or artillery strikes or possible SDF mortar fire in the Qasir al Banat area in the south-east of Raqqa city, local sources reported. Five sources alleged that the Coalition was directly responsible, whereas two sources…

Summary

Published
12 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 June 2017

Incident Code

CS970

Location

الطب الحديث, Al Toubb al Hadith, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian, Mohamamd al Ismail Al Abd al Dhaher, was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the Al Toubb al Hadith area of Raqqa, according to local sources. Both Q_Alenzy and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently blamed the Coalition. Other sources reported Coalition airstrikes in the area, with Alquds saying that Coalition jets “destroyed…

Summary

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

Incident Date

12 June 2017

Incident Code

CI759

Location

البورصة, Mosul, Borsa, Nineveh, Iraq
Several local press sources said that twelve civilians – all from the same family – died as a result of an alleged Coalition airstrike on their house in Borsa neighbourhood in Central Mosul. The sources reported that most victims were women and children. The twelve victims were all members of the Abdul Aziz Alnomah family.…

Summary

Published
12 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
12
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident