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

22 April 2017

Incident Code

CI659

Location

Mosul, al Haramat, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian in an event near Mosul. Their July 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a strike on ISIS construction equipment, after reviewing post-strike video, it was assessed that one civilian who was not observed during the engagement was unintentionally…

Summary

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

Incident Date

21 April 2017

Incident Code

CI657

Location

الحضر, Hatra, Kayrawan and Balij, Nineveh, Iraq
A single source reported that about twenty civilians died when Iraqi forces, “backed by the Popular Populist militia and the US-led Coalition” launched an attack on Hatra, Qayrawan and Balij, South of Mosul, in Nineveh province.

Summary

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

Incident Date

Incident Code

CS714

Location

near Tabqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria

Summary

Published
21 April 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

21 April 2017

Incident Code

CS712

Location

الثورة‎, Al Qariya, Tabaqa, Raqqa, Syria
One woman died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Wasat Street in Tabaqa, according to local media. According to Manartv and Al Ahed one person died and others were injured in a Coalition strike. According to Orient, “Activists said that Coalition aircraft launched several air raids on Friday on the Al Qariya area in…

Summary

Published
21 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

21 April 2017

Incident Code

CS713

Location

سوق الهال, Al Haal Market, Al Tabaqa, Raqqa, Syria
Five civilians including three children died and three more were wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Haal Market in Tabaqa, according to local media. Mohab Nasser, a journalist covering Al Tabaqa, named five victims of a Coalition raid. The victims were also named by Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently. According to the Syrian…

Summary

Published
21 April 2017
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
3–7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

20 April 2017

Incident Code

CI655

Location

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, Al-Tanak, Zanjili, Farouk, Rifai, Old City and other neighborhoods, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources reported that airstrikes of the Coalition and the Iraqi airforce on several neighbourhoods in Old Mosul, as well as artillery shelling, led to the deaths of 18 civilians. It was also reported that more than 41 civilians were injured. Correspondences Team and Al Rafidain reported 17 dead and more than 30 wounded in…

Summary

Published
20 April 2017
Civilians reported killed
17–18
Civilians reported injured
30–41
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident