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

8,249 – 13,342

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 3,003 separate alleged incidents.

1,728 – 2,371
children likely killed
1,127 – 1,468
women likely killed
5,930
likely injured
3,784
named victims

U.S.-led Coalition estimate of civilian deaths

1,457

Confirmed civilian deaths, from U.S.-led Coalition actions in Iraq and Syria, originating from 364 separate incidents of civilian harm.

411
civilians confirmed injured
Alleged deaths
19,217 – 29,816
Locally reported civilian deaths from U.S.-led Coalition actions in Iraq and Syria.
3,003 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
8,249 – 13,342
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by U.S.-led Coalition
1,553 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
2,397 – 2,821
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
435 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
7,877 – 12,576
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
783 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
694 – 1,077
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
232 seperate alleged incidents
2996 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

30 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1127

Location

ابو حمام, Abu Hammam, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three civilians were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Abu Hammam in Deir Ezzor, local sources reported. All five sources which reported the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible.

Summary

Published
30 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1121

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian male was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported. No further details are presently known.

Summary

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

Incident Date

29 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1122

Location

الطوب, Al Toob, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One civilian male was reportedly killed and a number of others were injured in airstrikes on Al Toob in Deir Ezzor, however responsibility for the strike was contested. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed that the Coalition was responsible, whereas Baladi News alleged that Syrian government planes were to blame. The remaining six sources…

Summary

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

Incident Date

29 June 2017

Incident Code

CI790

Location

الموصل القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq
Local residents and press sources said that at least 80 civilians were killed and others injured – mostly children and women – after shelling and airstrikes hit their houses near the Al Nouri Mosque in the ongoing battle for the liberation of Old Mosul. Half of the civilians died as a result of air strikes,…

Summary

Published
29 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
40–82
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 June 2017

Incident Code

CI791

Location

الموصل القديمة, Mosul, Old City (Sultan Nuts Factory), Nineveh, Iraq
A single local source, the Nineveh Media center, said that multiple families were still under the rubble after air strikes had hit the Sultan Nuts factory in Old Mosul. The Center called upon everyone who read the post, to help save these families. Reportedly, elderly people were also among the victims. It is presently unclear…

Summary

Published
29 June 2017
Civilians reported injured
8
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 June 2017

Incident Code

CI792

Location

باب لكش, Mosul, Bab Lakash, Nineveh, Iraq
A single local source reported that six civilians from the same family died after air strikes hit their house in Bab Lakash, in Old Mosul. A senior Coalition official informed Airwars on July 5th that “It is primarily Coalition aircraft conducting AIR strikes in Mosul. It has been a number of weeks since the Iraqis…

Summary

Published
29 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident