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

1 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1653

Location

الهري, Al Harri village, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Euphrates Post reported that “artillery shelling from the Iraqi side on the village of Al-Harri killed an old woman and a young woman from the Hilou saleh al Mashouh family and Mohammad Al-Hizam Al Ammash“. Al Araby, blaming shelling by Iraqi forces, put the death toll at three including two women. Eldorar added: “local media…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1654

Location

road near Al Hiri village, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians and the injuries of three others in an event in northeast Mosul. Their May 2018 civilian casualty report noted: "near Al Hiri village, Deir Ezzour, Syria via self-report. During a strike on Daesh-travelled roadway two civilians were unintentionally…

Summary

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

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Code

CS1655

Location

سويعية, Al Suwei'iya village, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians died in an airstrike on al Suwei’yia village, according to local media. A number of parties were blamed. Euphrates Post didn’t say who was responsible for the airstrike, though Al Araby and Syrian Press Center blamed shelling by Iraqi forces. According to Alaraby, “three civilians, including two women, were killed and three others…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
12
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1656 RS2666

Location

السيال, Abu Kamal, Al Sayyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between three and six civilians died in an airstrike on the home of Mohammed al-Shabib Abu Jassim, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition, the Iraqi air force, Syrian regime or Russia were to blame. According to Eldorar, “The sources said that in conjunction with the artillery…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–6
Civilians reported injured
18
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Codes

CS1657 RS2668

Location

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two named civilians died and up to 23 others were wounded in an airstrike on al Busayrah according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. Baladi, Jisr TV and Sharqiya Voice all blamed the Coalition. Euphrates Post reported “the martyrdom of the young…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4–23
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 November 2017

Incident Code

CI874

Location

القائم, Al Qaim, Central, Al Anbar, Iraq
It was reported that raids carried out on Al Qaim had resulted in the deaths of at least 45 civilians and had left dozens of people injured. The US-led Coalition later conceded one civilian death in the event. Both Omar Al Halbusi and the Association of Muslim Scholars in Iraq blamed the Coalition, with the…

Summary

Published
1 November 2017
Civilians reported killed
45–50
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident