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

3 August 2018

Incident Code

CS1787

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa (possibly east of village), Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike near the village of al Sha’afa, local sources reported. According to Sound and Picture, “vehicles carrying displaced civilians” were struck by Coalition aircraft, resulting in “a number of wounded”. This was reiterated by Marsad al Hassaka. The Al Sha’afa Facebook page was the only source that…

Summary

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

Incident Date

1 August 2018

Incident Code

CS1786a

Location

near Ash Shajlah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later conceded the deaths of two civilians in an event near Ash Shajlah, Syria. The Pentagon later said this was a US action. In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted "Coalition aircraft conducted a strike against a Daesh staging area. Regrettably, two…

Summary

Published
1 August 2018
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 July 2018

Incident Code

CS1785

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Multiple sources reported that two brothers were killed by alleged Coalition strikes on al Soussa. Most local sources identified the two civilians as Saleh Khalif al-Hassan and Falih Khalif al-Hassan. Most sources also identified the Coalition as the culprit and noted that the airstrikes had struck the brothers’ house. Baladi News mentioned that other civilians…

Summary

Published
27 July 2018
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 July 2018

Incident Code

CS1786

Location

السوسة, Outskirts of Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported the death of two or four civilians after missiles struck aid vehicles near the town of Al Soussa. According to Smart News, Coalition raids struck “three trucks loaded with food”, killing four civilians. The media outlet noted that the four came from “Salba and Mkeymen the eastern suburb of Hama in the…

Summary

Published
27 July 2018
Civilians reported killed
2–4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 July 2018

Incident Code

CS1784

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported that alleged Coalition airstrikes hit the village of al Sha’afa, either killing two civilians or injuring “several”. According to Al Haal shelling by the “International Air Force […] focused on the side of the river” and resulted in “several civilians injured, in addition to material damage.” Step News also identified the US-led…

Summary

Published
26 July 2018
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

24 July 2018

Incident Code

CS1783

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to local sources three to four civilians were killed by artillery or airstrikes, injuring up to 18 others near the sheep market of al Soussa. Al Soussa Youth reported “a very violent bombardment of rocket launchers” on the sheep market and nearby houses. According to the report, “more than ten missiles” resulted in large…

Summary

Published
24 July 2018
Civilians reported killed
3–7
Civilians reported injured
2–18
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident