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 April 2017

Incident Code

CS756

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Ar Raqqah, Syria
The Smart News Agency reported the death of three civilians including two women and injury of six to 18 more – in addition to the death of one member of IS – in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Tabaqa. Orient News reported that “three girls” died in a Coalition strike, while Syria-mirror said that “three…

Summary

Published
30 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
6–18
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 April 2017

Incident Code

CS751

Location

العالية, Al A'lia, Raqqa, Syria
The Smart News Agency reported the death of four civilians in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Al A’lia. It also said that a shop selling animal feed was burned down. Lebanonnownews also put the death toll at four and blamed the Coalition.

Summary

Published
29 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 April 2017

Incident Code

CS752

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria
Between one and three civilians died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Mansoura, according to local media. The Smart News Agency reported the death of one civilian and the injury of four more in an alleged Coalition airstrike. Shamfm put the death toll at three including two children, also blaming the Coalition. According to Rihab,…

Summary

Published
29 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 April 2017

Incident Code

CS753

Location

حي الوهب, Tabaqah, Al Wahab (First Neighbourhood), Raqqa, Syria
Seven civilians including a family of five died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the Al Wahab neighbourhood of Al Tabaqa, according to local sources – though there is currently some uncertainty about the date of the event. According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, “the family of Ali al Mabrouk made up of five…

Summary

Published
29 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
12
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 April 2017

Incident Code

CI676

Location

الرفاعي, Mosul, Rifai, Nineveh, Iraq
Local residents reported on Facebook that four civilians were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Rifae neighborhood in West Mosul. Bab Al Toob (local Facebook group) said that the two brothers Rami Adel Said and Ahmed Adel Said were among the victims in Rifae. Iraqyoon Agency and Ninawa Media Center put the total death toll…

Summary

Published
29 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 April 2017

Incident Code

CI677

Location

مشيرفة, Mosul, Meshrfa, Nineveh, Iraq
Seven families – an estimated 20 to 40 people – reportedly died in a Coalition or ISF airstrike on a house on the outskirts of Msherfa in West Mosul. Amnesty International shared the following field report with Airwars, citing a local eyewitness: “I witnessed another airstrike (presumed) on 29 April in Msherfa. It was a…

Summary

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