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

19 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1647

Location

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Two civilians died in al Busayrah, according to local media – though it was unclear who was responsible. The majority of sources, however, attributed the event to Moscow. Euphrates Post reported by name the death of one civilian male as a result of airstrikes targeted the al Busayrah. RFS Media Office blamed Russia, reporting that…

Summary

Published
19 October 2017
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1646

Location

الشحيل, Al Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, Syria
On October 18, 2017, two to four civilians were killed in an airstrike on Al Shaheel, according to local media, though sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Two men were killed identified by name by multiple sources. Al Sharqiya Observatory said that the victims died from wounds sustained in a Coalition strike.…

Summary

Published
18 October 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2–4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1639

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that four bodies Al Badou neighbourhood of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as "non-credible", stating that the allegation provided insufficient…

Summary

Published
17 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1640

Location

البدو, Clinics in Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that four bodies were recovered from the Comprehensive Clinics area of Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. In their August 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as "non-credible", stating that…

Summary

Published
17 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1641

Location

الملعب الاسود, Ar Raqqah: Baladi stadium, Raqqa, Syria
Raqqa RWB reported that three bodies were recovered near Al Mala’ab (the stadium) in Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. According to the report the “initial response team” was unable to identify the names due to “SDF prohibiting filming and getting close to the area“. In…

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1642

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that four bodies were recovered from various areas of Raqqa city, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. In the first of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as "non-credible",…

Summary

Published
17 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident