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

5 May 2017

Incident Code

CI692

Location

Mosul, Al Hermat, Nineveh, Iraq
Heavy shelling of Hermat in West Mosul led to the deaths of five families, according to locals living in the street who were interviewd by Amnesty International. The following unpublished field report was shared with Airwars: “The bombing was random. There were airstrikes, helicopter strikes, artillery and rockets. There were 100s of strikes each day.…

Summary

Published
5 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
20–40
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 May 2017

Incident Code

CS770

Location

رقة السمرة, Raqqa al Samra, Raqqa, Syria
According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, one child "died after he was hit with shrapnel when Coalition planes targeted Daesh trucks while they were setting up barriers on the edges of al Ballikh river near the village of Raqqa al Samra east of the city”. Al Raqqa Truth, SHRC and the Shaam News Network…

Summary

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

Incident Date

5 May 2017

Incident Code

CS771

Location

هنيدة, Hunaida, Raqqa, Syria
The Smart News Agency reported that “aircraft likely belonging to the coalition launched three raids on the town of Huneida (36 km west of the city of Raqqa), killing three civilians, and four members of IS, in addition to wounding 11 others.” The Step News Agency reported that there had been a Coalition strike on…

Summary

Published
5 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
11
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 May 2017

Incident Code

CS772

Location

دبسي عفنان, Dibsi Afnan, Raqqa, Syria
According to the Smart News Agency, “eleven civilians were killed and injured earlier in the day in a bombing by likely allied aircraft on the village of Dabsi Afnan (120 km west of Raqqa).” No further details are currently available.

Summary

Published
5 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–11
Civilians reported injured
1–11
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 May 2017

Incident Code

CS773

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria
According to local sources, a young man died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Mansoura. Raqqa Post reported he died when his car was targeted. There is no additional information at present.

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 May 2017

Incident Code

CI686

Location

الموصل: غرب, Mosul, Meshrfa, Nineveh, Iraq
Local press sources reported that eleven civilians – all from the same family – died after a Coalition airstrike hit their house in North-West Mosul. Amnesty later revealed the dead were from two separate named families. According to Yaqein Agency, “International Coalition aircraft launched raids on a residential area on the right side, in the…

Summary

Published
4 May 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
11–12
Civilians reported injured
3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident