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

26 March 2017

Incident Code

CI579

Location

الطوافة, Mosul, Tawafa, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that that dozens of civilians were killed or injured, including 19 members from one family, in Tawafa area west of Mosul by airstrikes. Local sources told Iraqyoon that “the aircraft bombed sites in the neighborhood of the Tawafa on the right side, which led to the deaths of dozens of civilians, including…

Summary

Published
26 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
20–24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 March 2017

Incident Code

CI580

Location

باب سنجار, Mosul, Bab Sinjar, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that an unspecified number of civilians were killed or injured after airstrikes targeted Bab al-Sinjar neighbourhood, in west Mosul. Two sources blamed the Coalition, while others did not identify who was responsible.

Summary

Published
26 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
23
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 March 2017

Incident Code

CS624

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
Smart news agency reported that “warplanes likely to be from the Coalition carried out two raids in Mashlab and Rumaila neighbourhoods, killing a civilian and wounding seven more. Additionally, two members of IS were killed when their car was targeted.” The source didn’t identify the warplanes. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

Published
26 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 March 2017

Incident Code

CI581

Location

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Al Batool Hospital, Nineveh, Iraq
Local residents and press sources said that at least 15 civilians were killed and many more injured, mostly children and elderly people, by alleged Coalition airstrikes near Al Batool hospital in Zanjili. Al Amaq [ISIL press agency] posted a video of the strikes on YouTube. Free journalist (Facebook) posted six graphic photos of several reported…

Summary

Published
26 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–85
Civilians reported injured
2–215
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 March 2017

Incident Code

CI582

Location

الرفاعي, Mosul, Rifai, Nineveh, Iraq
Local residents and press sources said that seven civilians were killed and eight injured in unspecified airstrikes or mortar shelling by Iraqi forces on Rifai neighbourhood in the west of Mosul. While Yaqein spoke of airstrikes, Iraqi Spring Media Center said the victims were caused by mortar shelling of Iraqi forces. Iraq News Center also…

Summary

Published
26 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
8
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 March 2017

Incident Codes

CS615 RS2020

Location

منطقة الادخار, Al-ldikhar, Raqqa, Syria
Up to five civilians died including a child and two women in a reported airstrike on Al-ldikhar, according to local media. Reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the Coalition or Russia. Smart news agency said that three civilians died in a strike “likely” carried out by the Coalition However RFS…

Summary

Published
25 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–5
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident