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

6 March 2017

Incident Code

CI515

Location

النبي شيث, Mosul, Nabi Sheet, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources reported that 16 civilians were killed and dozens of others injured in violent clashes and airstrikes on Nabi Sheet neighbourhood. Mosul Ateka posted a photo (see below) of the aftermath, stating “This is the area of Nabi Sheet, the centre of Mosul city, and the main market for handicraft and construction...” A UN…

Summary

Published
6 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
13–16
Civilians reported injured
7–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 March 2017

Incident Code

CS552

Location

كديران, Kdeiran, Raqqa, Syria
Between six and 12 civilians were reported to have died in Coalition airstrikes on the town of Kdeiran in western Raqqah. According to the Syrian Observatory, “four persons were killed including a man and his son in bombing by warplanes believed to belong to the international coalition on areas in Kdiaran town west of al-Raqqah…

Summary

Published
6 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
4–12
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 March 2017

Incident Code

CS553

Location

الخاتونية, Khatouniya, Raqqa, Syria
A single source blamed the Coalition for the death of a woman and the injuring of four more civilians in the al Khatouniya and al Salhabiya areas. According to Smart News, “A local source said three raids affected the villages of al Khatouniya and al Salhabiya in the western countryside, killing a woman and wounding…

Summary

Published
6 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 March 2017

Incident Code

CI516

Location

حي الصمود, Mosul, Sumud, Nineveh, Iraq
Local residents and press sources said that eleven civilians were killed and more than 40 people were still under the rubble after a Coalition airstrike targeted the Sumud Quarter near the main generator. The Telegraph interviewed several witnesses, who reported: “The planes waited until one of the Daesh walked out into the street and then…

Summary

Published
6 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
11–55
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 March 2017

Incident Code

CI512

Location

Mosul, Souq al-Sha’areen neighborhood, Nineveh, Iraq
A UN report on the protection of civilians in context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: “In the morning of 5 March, an airstrike targeted an ISIL post in the ISIL—controlled residential area of the Souq al-Sha’areen neighbourhood, in central Mosul. Sources reported that a civilian home was hit, killing seven civilians,…

Summary

Published
5 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 March 2017

Incident Code

CI510

Location

الدواسة, Mosul, Dawassa area, Nineveh, Iraq
Local and press sources said between 64 and 130 civilians were killed in total and many others injured by different kind of bombing during the Iraqi offensive to control the governmental compound in Dawassa at the right side of Mosul. Mosul Eye reported that “the number of civilian casualties today has risen to more than…

Summary

Published
5 March 2017
Civilians reported killed
64–130
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident