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

5 October 2017

Incident Code

CI864a

Location

القائم‎, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
In an incident not previously reported, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Al Qaim. Their December 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a Coalition strike against an ISIS weapon’s facility it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed." On the same day in Al Qaim, Airwars monitored a…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1590

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
The entire family of Nour Mahmoud Al I’llo (pictured), reportedly died following aerial bombardment on the city of Raqqah, according to Raqqa is being Slaughtered Silently. The report added that Nour was transferred from Raqqah to Tal Abiyad National Hospital, and was under the care of Dr Abdul Muttalib Suleiman. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently…

Summary

Published
5 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 October 2017

Incident Code

CI864

Location

Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
According to multiple local sources, one named victim died in an airstrike on Al Qaim. One source identified another possible victim, stating that the named civilian was bombed with his cousin in my uncle’s house from the Jagaifa tribe. There are currently no further details on this incident.

Summary

Published
5 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1577

Location

al Hadika al Baidaa, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian named as Farid Sheikho from Jumaili neighbourhood was killed following “artillery shelling” on al Haldika al Baidaa (The White Garden) area in Raqqa, according to multiple local sources. Airwars understands that only the US-led Coalition was using artillery at the time on Raqqah. There is limited information presently available, and this entry will…

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1578

Location

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian named as Hussein al-Ibrahim al Hassan died following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Raqqah city, local media reported. Raqqa Media Center cited “artillery bombardment” as the cause of his death. Airwars understands only the US-led Coaliiton had access to artillery at Raqqah.

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1579

Location

البدو, Al Badou, Raqqa, Syria
Seven civilians, including four children and two women, reportedly died following alleged US-led Coalition air strikes on al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city. Details of the death toll were initially provided by one source only, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which blamed the Coalition. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered also referred to air raids carried out…

Summary

Published
4 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
7–11
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident