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

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CI773

Location

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq
Up to 44 civilians, including a young child and his mother, were reported trapped under the rubble following the destruction of houses at al Shifa during an assault on the area. According to Sawefa Ateka, “There is a house in Al-Shifa neighborhood, the house of Saadallah Abu Thaerwhich is near the Al-Naqib Mosque, and the…

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
40–44
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CI774

Location

الفاروق, Mosul, Farouk, Nineveh, Iraq
Locals reported the deaths of 35 civilians during fighting for control of the Farouk area of Old Mosul. Yaqein blamed the deaths on the assaulters, citing an Iraqi commander: "‘Our military operations in the Old City resulted in the killing of 32 people,' the commander of the federal police, Raed Jawdat, told a news briefing."…

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
32–35
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1033

Location

شارع الساقية, Al Sakiya street, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Sakiya Street to the north of Raqqa. The Revolutionary Forces of Syria Media Office reported that the pair were brothers, but none of the sources was able to identify the victims. All sources alleged that the Coalition was responsible.  

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1034

Location

الطب الحديث, Al Toubb al Hadith, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilian males were reportedly killed in the Al Toub al Hadith area of Raqqa, allegedly by ‘SDF’ artillery fire into the city, though US forces were likely responsible. A number of local sources identified the victims, and The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the second victim was killed in Nour Street. Eight…

Summary

Published
19 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1035

Location

الرقة‎, Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was killed following alleged ‘SDF’ shelling into Raqqa city. The victim was named as Mohammed al Kasbah by a number of sources and a photo of him was provided. Four of five of the sources who reported the incident alleged that the US-backed SDF was responsible. However, only the Coalition reports using…

Summary

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

Incident Date

18 June 2017

Incident Code

CS1026

Location

Nazlat Shahada, Raqqa, Syria
Local sources reported that “several” civilians were killed and injured after morning airstrikes allegedly carried out by the Coalition in Raqqa, in the Two Bridges area. All five sources who reported the incident alleged that the Coalition was responsible. No further details were reported. In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible.…

Summary

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