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

14 March 2017

Incident Code

CI541

Location

باب سنجار, Mosul, Bab Sinjar, Nineveh, Iraq
There was a single claim that ‘dozens’ of civilians were killed or injured after Coalition airstrikes allegedly struck the emergency building at the general hospital in Bab Sinjar, in West Mosul.

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 March 2017

Incident Code

CI542

Location

الرسالة, Mosul, Dur al Resala, Nineveh, Iraq
Local residents and press sources said that a family of seven was killed after an airstrike hit their house in Dur-al Resala neighbourhood, West Mosul. Hani Abu Obeida was named by @n_iraq67 as one of the victims. It was reported that his son Musab was the only survivor. The rest of the family reportedly died.…

Summary

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

Incident Date

14 March 2017

Incident Code

CI543

Location

المحطة, Mosul, Al Mahatta, Nineveh, Iraq
Local residents told journalists of the French newspaper Mediapart that 26 people were killed after an airstrike reportedly carried out by an “American-built F-16” targeted an ISIL combatant who was sitting on the roof of their house. A young girl was also severely injured. The report by Mediapart.fr [in translation] reads: “In the neighbourhood of…

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 March 2017

Incident Code

CI538

Location

Mosul, Rujm Hadid, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on November 30th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of civilian harm claims “near Mosul, Iraq”. According to the Coalition report, “March 13, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via international organisation: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there…

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 March 2017

Incident Code

CI539

Location

Mosul, Mosul al-Jadid / New Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on November 30th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of civilian harm claims “near al Jadida, Iraq”. According to the Coalition report, “March 13, 2017, near al Jadida, Iraq: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is…

Summary

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

Incident Date

13 March 2017

Incident Code

CI535

Location

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, West / Right side, Nineveh, Iraq
Local residents and press source said that up to 25 civilians were killed, mostly children and women, and 117 wounded due to an ongoing battle in downtown (Central) and Western Mosul. Both shelling and Coalition airstrikes were reported. Local residents and press sources said that airstrikes had heavily targeted the July 17, Rifai, Shifa, Bab…

Summary

Published
13 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
25–30
Civilians reported injured
58–117
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident