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

Search

2981 incidents
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

2 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1659 RS2670

Location

السيال, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Several civilians – including a woman and a child – reportedly died in an airstrike on al Sayyal, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or Russia. Al Hall pointed towards the Coalition, putting the death toll at two with nine more…

Summary

Published
2 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
9
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1660 RS2671

Location

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to 23 civilians, reportedly including two families, died and “a large number” more were injured in airstrikes on al Salhiya in Deir Ezzor, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime. Euphrates Post reported “21 martyrs and…

Summary

Published
2 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
10–23
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1661 RS2672

Location

هجين, Hajeen - al Zir area, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One man died and his child was wounded in a casualty event in the al Zir area in Hajeen town, local media reported – though it was unclear whether the casualties were caused by an airstrike or a rocket. Additionally, sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition or…

Summary

Published
2 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1662 RS2673

Location

المراشدة, Al Mrashda river crossing, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to five civilians died in an airstrike on the al Mrashda river crossing in Deir Ezzor, local media said – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, Syrian regime or Russia were responsible. According to Al Hall, the Coalition “targeted the water crossing in the town of Al Mrashda in rural…

Summary

Published
2 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1663

Location

باغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Four or more civilians died in an airstrike on al Baghouz, according to local media. While most sources pointed towards the Coalition, one said that it was unclear whether Russia had been responsible. The US-led alliance later admitted killing five civilians in the event. According to Al Hal, “Coalition forces also raided al-Bagouz village in…

Summary

Published
2 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
5–6
Civilians reported injured
20
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1664

Location

Baghouz Fawqani, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In an incident previously untracked by Airwars, the US-led Coalition admitted on February 22nd, 2018 that it had killed 3 civilians near Baghouz Fawqani. According to the official release, the incident came to light following self reporting by pilots or analysts: "During a Coalition strike which destroyed Daesh bed-down location and killed five Daesh members it was…

Summary

Published
2 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident