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

27 March 2017

Incident Code

CS630

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Five civilians were killed and nine injured in Coalition strikes on Raqqa, according to a single source. According to Smart News, “Several sources told Smart Monday night that a number of civilians and elements of the Islamic State were killed and wounded by an aerial bombardment and by artillery of the International Coalition on the…

Summary

Published
27 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
9
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 March 2017

Incident Code

CI583

Location

البعاج, Mosul, Baaj, Nineveh, Iraq
It was claimed that airstrikes targeted two sites in Baaj District, in the west of Mosul and led to several dead and wounded among individuals. A number of sources – all using the same words – reported that the first strike took place near the gas station and the second behind the General Hospital of…

Summary

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

Incident Date

27 March 2017

Incident Code

CS629

Location

الزور, Al Zor, Raqqa, Syria
According to Sharqiya Voice, “one person was wounded and 50 sheep were killed in the Zor area east of Euphrates after being targeted by American artillery.” NRVR11 and Revolutionaries of Raqqa, however, reported that “many people” were injured in the incident.

Summary

Published
27 March 2017
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 March 2017

Incident Code

CS626a

Location

Sarmada, Idlib, Syria
In an incident previously not tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of three civilians and the injury of another in an incident near Idlib, Syria. In its May 2019 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: "Coalition aircraft conducted a strike against a Daesh vehicle. Regrettably, three civilians were unintentionally killed and one…

Summary

Published
27 March 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 March 2017

Incident Code

CS625

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria
According to a single source, Raqqa Post, one male civilian was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Tabaqa. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

26 March 2017

Incident Code

CI578

Location

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq
A single source said that many women were killed or injured after a Coalition helicopter struck a flour shop where they were working at the time. This took place in Zanjili neighborhood in the west of Mosul. See also incident CI581.

Summary

Published
26 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident