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

26 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1531

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Between 21 and 40 civilians, the majority women and children, were reported killed in alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqah city. Initially the citizen journalist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), reported 40 civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition. According to RBSS, the strikes hit an apartment building and all…

Summary

Published
26 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
21–40
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1532

Location

الصور, Al Soor, Safia neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Local sources reported “a number of civilians were killed” following airstrikes they believed were likely conducted by US-led Coalition aircraft. According to sources, the bombs contained white phosphorous – a chemical weapon sometimes proscribed under international law. Al Mayadeen, a pro-regime news organisation, reported “the attack [allegedly by the Coalition] led to the deaths of…

Summary

Published
26 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CI854

Location

القائم, Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq
Local press sources said that dozens of civilians were killed following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Qaem district, west of Anbar during a major offensive by ISF. According to Yagein, residential neighbourhoods of the district were targeted resulting in the death of civilians. Yagein held the Coalition responsibly. Anbar News said houses of the Al…

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CI855

Location

الجماهير, Al Jamahir, Al Anbar, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of one civilian in an event near Al Jamahir, Iraq. Their December 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a Coalition strike which destroyed an ISIS headquarters, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally injured." In July 2019, the Coalition provided…

Summary

Published
25 September 2017
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1524

Location

Al Mayadin, Central, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Ten civilians – mostly women and children – reportedly died and dozens more civilians were injured in multiple airstrikes on different locations in Al Mayadin, local media reported, though sources were conflicted as to whether the Coalition or Russia was responsible. Qasiuoun laid the blame with the Coalition, reporting that jets struck “the comprehensive pharmacy”…

Summary

Published
25 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
10
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1525

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least one civilian was killed with perhaps four or more additional casualties after a Coalition airstike near Al Hana hospital in Abu Kamal, according to local media. While a number of sources didn’t identify the culprit, at least two attributed the incident to the US-led Coalition. In July 2018 the alliance accepted responsibility for…

Summary

Published
25 September 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident