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

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1580

Location

التوسعية, Al Tawosoui'ya neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Fifteen to 16 civilians or more died in an aerial attack reportedly conducted by the US-led Coalition on Al Tawaswiya neighbourhood, Raqqah city, according to local sources. Saeed Ahmed Al Jum’a, his family and another family of relatives were documented killed by the source Marsad Al Hassaka, amongst other reports. According to Smart activists, “the…

Summary

Published
4 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
15–16
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1581

Location

Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local media reported the death of one civilian, Hamed Khabas al-Aliwi, in an airstrike on his home. Sources, reporting on October 8th, said that the victim was killed “a few days ago”. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1583 RS2590

Location

البوكمال الباغوز , Huweija al Khanafer, water crossing between البوكمال al Bukamal الباغوز al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In what has been described as a "massacre" between seven and 55 civilians died, and "dozens" were left injured, following suspected airstrikes on the Al Bagouz water crossing, between Bagouz village and Abu Kamal city, on the northern bank of the Euphrates river. Local sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the…

Summary

Published
4 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
7–55
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Codes

CS1580a RS2591

Location

معبر مائي بين هجين و العباس, Water Crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Between ten and 30 civilians were killed, including four named men, and "dozens" more were injured, following a continuation of airstrikes on the river crossing, however this time the crossing linking Hajeen with Al A'bbas town. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources blamed Russian warplanes for the raids, however others…

Summary

Published
4 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
10–30
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CI863

Location

التنك, Al Qaim, al Tanak, Al Anbar, Iraq
At least one named civilian male was reported killed in the Tanak neighbourhood of al Qaim. While some sources blamed the US-led Coalition, others implied that Iraqi aircraft or artillery might have been responsible. According to his family and local reports, an adult man died as a result of air and/ or artillery strikes on…

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 October 2017

Incident Code

CS1576

Location

Al Shuhadaa, Raqqa, Syria
Between 13 and 21 civilians reportedly died following airstrikes on al Shuhadaa neighbourhood north of Raqqah city, according to local sources. The civilians were said to have gathered around a water well in the area. This was the second reported attack on the city’s water supply in two days. Shahba Press said it had documented…

Summary

Published
4 October 2017
Civilians reported killed
13–21
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident