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

25 August 2018

Incident Code

CS1792a

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of three civilians and the injuring of a fourth in an event near Hajin. In its November 2018 monthly report, the alliance noted the following: "On Aug. 25, 2018, near Hajin Syria, via self-report. Coalition aircraft struck a known ISIS safe…

Summary

Published
25 August 2018
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 August 2018

Incident Code

CS1792

Location

الباغوز فوقاني, Al Bagouz Fawqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local media reported that an unspecified number of civilians were wounded in airstrikes on Al Bagouz by Iraqi warplanes. Sound and Picture, Step News Agency and @Bukamal_Live all reported that “a number of civilians were wounded” by Iraqi warplanes. It is important to note that by this stage of the conflict, that Iraqi air and…

Summary

Published
16 August 2018
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 August 2018

Incident Code

CS1791

Location

الباغوز فوقاني), Al Bagouz Fawqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Four civilians died and several others were wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Bagouz al Fawqani, according to local media. The Smart News Agency said: “Activists told Smart that the bombing killed four civilians and wounded others, including women and children, in addition to the killing of three members of ISIS. Some activists pointed…

Summary

Published
14 August 2018
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

8 August 2018

Incident Code

CS1790

Location

البوبدران, Medical clinic in Al Bubadran area between Al Soussa and Al Sha'afa villages, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians died and an unspecified number more were wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on a medical clinic between Al Sousse and Al Shaafa, according to local media. The Step News Agency, Shaam News Network and Sound were among sources reporting that a medical clinic was struck, along with other sites, as the Coalition reportedly…

Summary

Published
8 August 2018
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 August 2018

Incident Code

CS1789

Location

السوسة , Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Soussa, local media reported. The strike also reportedly killed an ISIS leader. According to the Step News Agency, “the International Coalition conducted a raid on the town of Soussa east of Deir al-Zour and there are reports of civilian casualties”. Zaman al Wasl reported that…

Summary

Published
7 August 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 August 2018

Incident Code

CS1788

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One child was killed and her mother was wounded in an airstrike on Al Sousse, local media said. Most sources blamed the US-led Coalition, though there was one allegation against the regime. According to the Syrian National Movement, “a female child was killed and her mother was injured by the International Alliance shelling the town…

Summary

Published
6 August 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident