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

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CS978

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male was killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Raqqa city, according to a local report. He was named as Ahmed Ali and a picture was provided. No further details are presently known.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CI760

Location

الشفاء, الموصل‎, Al Shafaa, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
A total of 35 people people from an extended family were killed, including 14 children, 9 women and two imams, when a home and street were bombed in the Al Shifa neighbourhood of Mosul. Sources said that the family were sheltering in the basement of the house. Initial claims had placed the toll at 50,…

Summary

Published
13 June 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
35
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CS979

Location

شارع القوتلي, Al Kuwati street, Raqqa, Syria
According to the Smart News Agency, “the SDF shelled several neighbourhoods in the city with artillery shells, mortars and rockets killing eight civilians, including three children and their mother, in Al-Quwatli Street and east of the Post Center.” Sharqiya Voice reported that “YPG militia” used “mortars” on Al Quwatli street, but made no mention of…

Summary

Published
13 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CS980

Location

مكتب البريد وشارع القوتلي, the post office, Raqqa, Syria
According to the Smart News Agency, “the SDF shelled several neighbourhoods in the city with artillery shells, mortars and rockets killing eight civilians, including three children and their mother, in Al-Quwatli Street and east of the Post Center.” No further details are currently available, although it should be noted that only the Coalition and not…

Summary

Published
13 June 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

Incident Code

CI761

Location

Mosul, Al Shifa, Nineveh, Iraq

Summary

Published
13 June 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 June 2017

Incident Code

CS981

Location

Raqqah, Yarmuk, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 29th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm. According to the Coalition report, ” 106. June 13, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via NGO report: After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were…

Summary

Published
13 June 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident