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

18 March 2017

Incident Code

CS588

Location

جسر المغلة, Al Maghla Bridge, Raqqa, Syria
Two or more civilians were reported killed near the al Maghla bridge after Coalition aircraft reportedly struck boats carrying civilians across the Euphrates River. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

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

Incident Date

18 March 2017

Incident Code

CI557

Location

Mosul, Risala, West Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm “near Mosul, Iraq” via an NGO report. According to the Coalition report, “March 18, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via NGO report:After a review of available information and strike video it…

Summary

Published
18 March 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 March 2017

Incident Code

CI558

Location

Mosul, Nahrawan, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm “near Mosul, Iraq” via an NGO report. According to the Coalition report, “March 18, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via NGO report:After a review of available information it was assessed that…

Summary

Published
18 March 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 March 2017

Incident Code

CI553

Location

المشاهدة, Mosul, Al Mashada, Nineveh, Iraq
A family of five was reported killed by either Iraqi, US or French artillery strikes or Coalition airstrikes on the al Mashahda quarter of West Mosul, which is still under ISIL control. Al Jazeera Iraq spoke to witnesses and blamed Iraqi forces for the artillery shelling, and said they had targeted the house in the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

18 March 2017

Incident Code

CI554

Location

السرجخانة, Mosul, Third street behind Fathi al Ali mosque., Nineveh, Iraq
At least thirteen civilians were reported killed and 17 injured in air and artillery strikes on a number of West Mosul neighbourhoods. Iraqi Spring Media Centre said reported the “Killing of 13 civilians, mostly women and children, and 17 wounded as a result of air and artillery bombardments of several districts of the right side…

Summary

Published
18 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
13–50
Civilians reported injured
17–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 March 2017

Incident Code

CI555

Location

الجوسق, Mosul, Jawasaq, Nineveh, Iraq
In an event previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition said that no civilians were harmed on March 18th at Mosul, Jawasaq. The Coalition's November 2017 casualty reported said: "After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties."

Summary

Published
18 March 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident