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

Incident Code

CS496

Location

near Tabaqah, Syria

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 February 2017

Incident Code

CS497

Location

مزرعة تشرين, Tishreen Farms, Raqqa, Syria
A reported airstrike at Tishreen Farms killed up to 22 non-combatants, according to reports. Both Russia and the Coalition were blamed, though the latter denied responsibility. Asharqiya Voice reported the deaths of 10 people, while Raqqa is Being Slaughtered described “a massacre against 14 civilians after Coalition planes bomb Tishreen farm north of Raqqa.” Smart…

Summary

Published
16 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–22
Civilians reported injured
30
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 February 2017

Incident Codes

CS498 TS081

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria
Between 18 and 50 civilians died in an airstrike on Al Bab, according to local sources. While the Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that ten civilians including two children and four women died in an alleged Coalition airstrie, other sources blamed Tiurkey. A second report by SN4HR said that “International Coalition warplanes missiles fired…

Summary

Published
16 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
18–50
Military Actor
Turkish Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

Incident Code

CS499

Location

near Raqqah, Syria

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 February 2017

Incident Code

CI461

Location

حي المطاحن, Mosul, Al-Matahin / Mills, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that three displaced civilians living in a restaurant were killed and six others were injured after Coalition airstrikes targeted the Mills area at the right side of Mosul. A journalist told Yaqein: “aircraft of the international coalition bombed a building located in the Mills area at the right side to the city…

Summary

Published
15 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

15 February 2017

Incident Code

CS494

Location

طريق بلدة الكرامة, Al Karama Road, Raqqa, Syria
A single source reported the deaths of two civilian truck drivers in a Coalition airstrike. According to Smart News “Two people were killed on Wednesday, in raids by international coalition aircraft on the eastern countryside of Raqqa… Sources said that international coalition aircraft targeted two trucks being used to transport oil, loaded with more than…

Summary

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