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

16 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1632

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Three civilians may have died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah, according to local media – though there was uncertainty over when the victims died, with one report stating they were still alive. Coordinating the Revolution in the City of Palmyra published “a clarification regarding the family of Mrs. Samira Al-Ali (Alhashosh) and her…

Summary

Published
16 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1633

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported the death of two civilians in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. According to Asharqiya Voice, they died “a few weeks ago”. Writing on Facebook on October 28th, Mohammad al Fahal, reportedly a family member of the victims, said: “My aunt has moved to the mercy of God.. Najah Ramadan al Fahl…

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1626

Location

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A young man died following alleged airstrikes on the village of al Busayrah, Deir Ezzor governorate, according to local media. Reports said that up to five other civilians died in addition to Abdul and that people were fleeing the town while air raids were carried out. A later report from Sharqiya Voice named two families of…

Summary

Published
15 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1625

Location

السعدة, Al Sa'ada village, Al Hassakah, Syria
Local media reported unspecified civilian casualties following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes near Al Sa’ada village in the vicinity of Markada, Hasaka governorate, in the early hours of Sunday. People of the villages of Al-Harith, Al-Sa’dah Al-Gharbia, Al-Ashiteh Al-Gharbi, and Jana’a, all close to Markada, were reportedly displaced as a result of the air raids, Euphrates…

Summary

Published
14 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–1
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 October 2017

Incident Code

CI869

Location

الحصيبة, Husaybah, main market, Al Anbar, Iraq
According to local media reported that at least 20 fatalities and several wounded occurred following alleged Coalition airstrikes on the city of Al Qaim, Anbar. Yaqein quoted one press statement in which a police source specified that international coalition aircraft bombed the area of Hasayba market. This location, as well as the number of casualties, was confirmed…

Summary

Published
13 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
20
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1623

Location

الحسين, Markada/Husayn, Al Hassakah, Syria
Local media reported civilian casualties in the town of Markadah and nearby al Husain village following alleged US-led Coalition strikes. News of civilian deaths came amidst reports of conflict in the area over the past 48 hours. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented violent clashes between the so-called Islamic State organisation and the US-backed…

Summary

Published
13 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident