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

21 February 2018

Incident Code

CS1726

Location

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Twelve civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hajin on February 21st. Sources reported that “several missiles” struck the town 50 kilometers northwest of Abu Kamal. Sana, the Syrian state media outlet, initially reported on the incident quoting local sources as confirming the death of 12 civilians - and stressing that the…

Summary

Published
21 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
12
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 February 2018

Incident Code

CS1725

Location

هجين, Hajin / Bahra, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between 12 and 16 civilians, including 5 children and 6 women were allegedly killed and “dozens” wounded in a Coalition airstrike on the city of Hajin on February 19th. However some sources, like Deir Ezzor24, stated that the airstrike in fact took place in Al Bahra, a town near Hajin. According to the Syrian Network…

Summary

Published
19 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
12–16
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 February 2018

Incident Code

CS1724

Location

قرية البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In its monthly casualty report of 30th August 2018, the Coalition conceded it had caused civilian harm in an event not previously tracked by Airwars. This was later identified as a likely French airstrike - thougfh Paris has refused to confirm or deny this. According to the official report, “February 9, 2018, near al-Bahrah village,…

Summary

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

Incident Date

7 February 2018

Incident Code

CI875

Location

المخيسة, Al Mikhisa village, Diyala, Iraq
There were reports that two civilians were killed and two injured by airstrikes in Al Mikhisa village, east of the Abu Sayda district. Local sources told Airwars that two of the deceased civilians may have been farmers. All reports mentioned that airstrikes targeted the “orchards” or “the farms” in the village. None however provided any…

Summary

Published
7 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
2–4
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 February 2018

Incident Code

CS1723

Location

Al Sabah Farm, Deir Ezzor, Syria
On August 30th 2018, the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of a possible civilian harm incident that was previously unknown to Airwars. In the report, the Coalition wrote: “February 7, 2018, near al-Sabah Farm, Deir Ez Zor, Syria, via self-report. After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that…

Summary

Published
7 February 2018
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5–6 February, 2018

Incident Code

CS1722

Location

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported that between 17 and 59 civilians were killed in the village of Al Sha’afa. According to a tweet by @syrians, most of the casualties were women and children. The US military has admitted to killing two civilians in the attack. Radio al Kul and Free Deir Ezzor both stated specifically that 17…

Summary

Published
5 February 2018
Civilians reported killed
17–59
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident