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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8863 incidents
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Incident DatePublication Date
21 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4279

Location

بداما , Badama, Idlib, Syria
A civilian was killed and his father, mother, and brother were injured as the result of an alleged Russian or regime drone strikes on the town of Badama, Idlib governorate, on December 21st, 2019, according to local sources. In total, up to five injuries were reported by local sources. A Syrian Civil Defence source told…

Summary

Published
21 December 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident
21 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4280

Location

تل منس, Tal Menes, Idlib, Syria
In one of two incidents in Tal Menes on December 21-22, 2019, civilians were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on the village the morning of December 21st, 2019, according to local sources. Both @ShahbaPress and a Facebook post by Mustafa.alshekh78 identified civilians injured in the strikes but did not provide a number. A…

Summary

Published
21 December 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident
21 December 2019

Incident Code

CS1941

Location

دوار قرموطي, Qarmouti Roundabout, Al Hassakah, Syria
Manar Saqer, female, aged 27, was reported killed on December 21st 2019, after she was run over by a US-led Coalition vehicle (truck) near Qarmouti square in Qamishli, Syria, according to local sources. Manar was reported hit while she was returning back from her work around 17:30 local time. Another source believed the victim killed…

Summary

Published
21 December 2019
Civilians reported killed
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Accidents related to conflict
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident
20 December 2019

Incident Code

TS401

Location

ام حرملة, Um Hammala, Al Hassakah, Syria
Three civilians were reported injured as a result of alleged Turkish forces or Turkey-backed militants' artillery shelling on Um Hammala village in Zarkan, Hasakah, Syria on December 20th, 2019 according to local sources. No more details are available at the moment.

Summary

Published
20 December 2019
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported injured
3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident
20 December 2019

Incident Code

TS402

Location

صيدا, Saida, Raqqa, Syria
Three civilians were reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces drone or artillery attack on Saida village in Ain Issa, Raqqa on December 20th, 2019 according to local sources. The three civilians are said to be in serious conditions.

Summary

Published
20 December 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike), Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident
20 December 2019

Incident Code

RS4276

Location

جسر الشغور, Jisr Al Shughour, Aleppo, Syria
At least four civilians, including two children, were killed in an alleged Russian drone strike on the Jisr Al Shughur - Lattakia road near the city of Jisr Al Shughour, on December 20th, 2019, according to local sources. Local activists reported to SMART News Agency that "Russian drones had targeted a gathering of civilians on…

Summary

Published
20 December 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Civilians reported killed
4–8
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident