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

14 May 2017

Incident Code

CS824

Location

عكيرشي, `Ukayrishah, Raqqa, Syria
Between 12 and 30 civilians – mostly women – were killed when alleged Coalition airstrikes hit al A’Keirshi village in the countryside of Raqqa, according to local media. The victims were reportedly farm workers who were travelling in three cars to their place of work when they were struck by the air raid. Raqqa is…

Summary

Published
14 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
12–30
Civilians reported injured
9–12
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 May 2017

Incident Code

CI711

Location

17 تموز, Mosul, July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq
Two local sources reported that heavy shelling with mortars, artillery and missiles hit the 17 July neighbourhood in West Mosul. The violence reportedly led to the death of Alaa Abdel Moneim Hussein al-Nuaimi – also called Abu ‘Ala – who was married and had three children. He died after a mortar landed on his house…

Summary

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

Incident Date

Incident Code

CI712

Location

near Mosul, Iraq, Iraq

Summary

Published
14 May 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

Incident Code

CS825

Location

near Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Summary

Published
14 May 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

14 May 2017

Incident Code

CS821

Location

Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One child was reportedly injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike targeting ISIL fighters in the “Old Corniche” area in the city of Abu Kamal, according to local sources.

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 May 2017

Incident Code

CS811

Location

حويقة, Hweika, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Three named civilians died in an airstrike on a home in Hweika, according to local media. No sources pointed directly at the Coalition, with the majority referring to unidentified “warplanes.” Other reports, however, attributed the event to the Assad regime or Russia. The Euphrates Post reported the death of two civilians following a raid by…

Summary

Published
13 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident