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 March 2017

Incident Code

CI591

Location

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq
Dozens of civilians were reported killed or injured after Coalition airstrikes and possibly unidentified mortars hit houses in Zanjili neighbourhood, in West Mosul. Suhaib Al Mashhadany posted a video on Facebook showing a young girl, allegedly the only survivor of the family after shelling hit their home. Two sources, Iraqyoon and Yaqein, blamed the Coalition…

Summary

Published
30 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
12–24
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

30 March 2017

Incident Code

CI592

Location

الاقتصاديين, Mosul, Iqtishadeen, Nineveh, Iraq
A schoolboy named as Hassan Ali al-Hamdouni was reported killed in an airstrike near Awaleen mosque in Iktisadeen (Economists) neighborhood, in West Mosul.

Summary

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

Incident Date

30 March 2017

Incident Code

CI591a

Location

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Al Zanjili, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians in an event near Mosul. Their June 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a strike on an ISIS command and control node and VBIED staging position, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered…

Summary

Published
30 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

30 March 2017

Incident Code

CI593

Location

17 تموز, Mosul, July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq
Local residents reported that ‘indiscriminate’ ISF artillery shelling or possibly an airstrike hit the 17 July neighbourhood in West Mosul, causing civilian casualties. While Ninawa Media Center did not say who was responsible, Iraqi Spring Media Center blamed the Iraqi government forces. Urgent Mosul News blamed [Iraqi] security forces of shelling with “smart artillery, killing…

Summary

Published
30 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
2–12
Civilians reported injured
2–12
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

30 March 2017

Incident Code

CI594

Location

حي التنك, Mosul, Tanak, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of seven civilians in an event on the western outskirts of Mosul. The action was later revealed to be a US strike. Their September 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a strike against an ISIS formation, it was assessed that seven…

Summary

Published
30 March 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
7
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

30 March 2017

Incident Code

CI595

Location

Mosul, Matahin, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of seven civilians in an event in the al Matahin neighbourhood in western Mosul. The June 2017 civilian casualty report noted "During a strike on an ISIS headquarters, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the…

Summary

Published
30 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident