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

28 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1537

Location

Al Badou area, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that an unspecififed number of civilians were wounded in a strike near the water company or water foundation in Raqqah’s al Badou neighbourhood. The Step News Agency blamed the Coalition, while other sources also reported a raid on the area but did not apportion blame. No further details are currently available.

Summary

Published
28 September 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

28 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1538

Location

Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least seven civilians were reported killed and dozens more wounded in air and/or rocket/artillery strikes on Al Mayadin – though the death toll looked likely to rise with multiple reports saying that up to 21 other civilians were still trapped under the rubble. It is currently unclear who was responsible for this incident, with…

Summary

Published
28 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

28 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1539

Location

Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Deir Ezzor 24 reported that “warplanes” carried out a raids “focused on the Al-Rayaheen kindergarten near the mosque Othman bin Affan and near the headquarters of the Hesba of the organization [IS]. Many were wounded.” No additional details are presently known.

Summary

Published
28 September 2017
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

28 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1540

Location

Al Taybeh, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Up to seven women allegedly died in an airstrike on al Taybeh, according to a local media outlet. However the deaths had previously been reported on July 28th. Three women died in an airstrike on al Taybeh, according to Deir Ezzor 24. Though its source didn’t say who was responsible, they listed three victims. However,…

Summary

Published
28 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

28 September 2017

Incident Code

CI857

Location

West Ramadi, Al Anbar, Iraq
A single source, Yagein, reported that civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on the areas of west Ramadi in central Anbar province. A well-informed source who spoke to Yagein said Aircraft of the International Alliance carried out several air raids. The source added the bombing resulted in significant destruction in the areas, with reports…

Summary

Published
28 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

28 September 2017

Incident Code

CI858

Location

Al Qaim, plaster factory, Al Anbar, Iraq
Two sources alleged the US-led Coalition conducted air raids on Al Qaim west of Anbar province, resulting in 87 civilians killed. However, there was some confusion about the status of the vehicles reportedly struck. Local sources who spoke to Yaqein said aircraft targeted an area near the plaster factory in the province. It initially alleged…

Summary

Published
28 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
87
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident