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

13 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1624

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A named adult male civilian died in the besieged neighbourhoods of Raqqah, according to a local source. Details of his death are presently unknown. Airwars will amend the entry when new information is available.

Summary

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

Incident Date

12 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1621

Location

البدو, Baidou, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that between 25 and 35 or more civilians died in US-led Coalition airstrikes carried out at midday which struck two residential buildings in Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa. Despite this, Amnesty field research has since been conducted which only reported the deaths of 16 civilians, spread over two strikes. The Coalition initially confirmed…

Summary

Published
12 October 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1622

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Local media named two civilians as killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqah. The date of the incident is currently unclear: reporting on October 14th, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently said that the victims died “during the past few days”. Raqqa Media Office and SHRC reported their deaths on October 15th, also saying that…

Summary

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

Incident Date

12 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1621a

Location

البدو, Baidou, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that between 25 and 35 or more civilians died in US-led Coalition airstrikes carried out at midday which struck two residential buildings in Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa. Despite this, Amnesty field research has since been conducted which only reported the deaths of 16 civilians, spread over two strikes. The Coalition initially confirmed…

Summary

Published
12 October 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
10
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

11 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1619 RS2624

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Thirteen civilians reportedly died, including seven children and five women, following an attack on Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to the US-led Coalition, while others blamed Russia. At present, the culpable party remains unclear. The majority of sources alleged or suspected that…

Summary

Published
11 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
13–14
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

11 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1620 RS2629

Location

المجاودة, Al Mjawda, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to local sources, up to 12 civilians were killed in an airstrike on the town of Mjawda. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some attributing blame to Russia, while others attributed blame to the US-led Coalition. Both the Violations Documentation Center and Euphrates Post identified eight victims of the…

Summary

Published
11 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–12
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident