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

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1526

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, Raqqa24 and the Shaam News Netowork, a number of civilians were killed and wounded when they were hit with artillery shells as they gathered to collect water in Raqqah’s al Badou neighbourhood. Athr Press attributed the event to ground forces, saying that “four civilians were killed and others…

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1527

Location

Al Badou neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
More than 32 civilians died in alleged US-led Coalition strikes on the city of Raqqah, according to local media. Field research by Amnesty International has since confirmed many of the civilian deaths. The civilians were in the basement of a building near Maari School when the airstrike hit, causing the building to collapse on them,…

Summary

Published
25 September 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
32–35
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1528

Location

Sikat al Qitar street, Raqqa, Syria
According to the Step News Agency, the Coalition carried out “several raids on the al Shuhadaa mosque neighbourhood, Sikat al Qitar street north of the city of Raqqah. There is news of casualties.” A subsequent tweet by @818klhaifa reported the same allegation against the Coalition.

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1529

Location

كرمازة, Kormaza village, Raqqa, Syria
Local media reported that civilians were killed after unidentified aircraft targeted Kormaza village, Tal Abiyad countryside, Raqqa. Marsad al Hassaka alleged that a vehicle was struck by “unknown aircraft”, and that the car was a “civilian pick-up” according to the source, with civilians reportedly inside. Soheb1199 released a carbon-copy of the Marsad al Hassaka report.…

Summary

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

Incident Date

24 September 2017

Incident Code

CI853

Location

بطمة, Al Butma near Huwaija, Kirkuk, Iraq
Local media reported airstrikes in Huwaija south of Kirkuk province, during an Iraqi assault to capture the city from ISIS. Yagein alleged the US-led Coalition was responsible and cited dead and wounded following the raids. Alzab made a plea to ISF: We hope the security forces ascertain the proper coordinates of their goals in order to…

Summary

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

Incident Date

24 September 2017

Incident Code

CS1521

Location

الرقة‎, Central, Raqqa, Syria
Five civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition air or artillery strikes in Raqqa, local sources reported. According to the Step News Agency, “five civilians were killed and others are missing under the rubble as a result of aerial and ground bombing by the international Coalition in neighborhoods controlled by IS in the middle of…

Summary

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