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 February 2017

Incident Code

CI493

Location

near Al Qa’im, Al Anbar, Iraq
In an incident previously unknown to Airwars the Coalition assessed that it didn't harm civilians: "72. Feb. 27, 2017, near Al Qa’im, Iraq, via social media report: After review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike."

Summary

Published
27 February 2017
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 February 2017

Incident Code

CI490

Location

الجوسق, Mosul, Al-Jawsaq, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that 38 civilians were killed and injured in Coalition airstrikes and artillery shelling on Jawsaq neighborhood in Western Mosul. Press sources had told Yaqein that “the army shelling on Jawasaq neighborhood of western Mosul resulted in the deaths and injuries [which] have not been counted yet” and that “Jawasaq neighborhood is witnessing…

Summary

Published
27 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
10
Civilians reported injured
28
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 February 2017

Incident Code

CI491

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq
Local sources said that three civilians were killed when Coalition airstrikes targeted Al Qa’im district, in the west of Anbar province. A senior official unofficially told Airwars the strike was conducted by Belgium. On April 30th 2017 the Coalition accepted responsibility: “Feb. 27, 2017, near Al Qaim, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIS…

Summary

Published
27 February 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–3
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 February 2017

Incident Code

CI492

Location

عنه, Anah al Jadidah, Al Anbar, Iraq
Local sources said that four civilians were killed when Coalition airstrikes hit the Ana district, in the west of Anbar province.

Summary

Published
27 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 February 2017

Incident Code

CS537

Location

الرقة‎, Al Fardous/ paradise area, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians died and 12 others were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Raqqa, according to a single source, Smart news agency. Smart reported: “According to local sources the raids targeted the automated bakery at al Ferdos in the Paradise neighbourhood and Saif al Dawla street. Medical sources said that the raids resulted in…

Summary

Published
26 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 February 2017

Incident Code

CI488

Location

Al Kour and other neighbourhoods on the right side of Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that 33 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 35 injured due to Coalition airstrikes and artillery bombing on several neighborhoods at the right side of Mosul. Journalists had reported to Yaqein that “aerial bombardment and artillery [shelling] targeted violently, today, the homes of civilians in areas at the right side…

Summary

Published
26 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
33
Civilians reported injured
35
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident