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

13 February 2017

Incident Codes

CS489 TS079

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, New Street, Aleppo, Syria
At least 15 civilians from the same family died in either Turkish or Coalition airstrikes, as the battle to seize Al Bab from ISIL continued. Up to nine other non-combatants also died. Al Jazeera initially placed the death toll at 16 and then 24, though said the fatalities resulted from “shelling and battles in the…

Summary

Published
13 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
17–24
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Turkish Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 February 2017

Incident Code

CS490

Location

هنيدة, Hunaida, Raqqa, Syria
A single source reported the deaths of four civilians at Hunaida village near Raqqa. According to Smart News, “Local sources told our Smart reporter that planes likely to be the international coalition, launched raids on the towns of Mansoura and Hunaida in the western countryside, killing four civilians and seriously wounding seven others, including women.”…

Summary

Published
13 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
6–7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

13 February 2017

Incident Code

CS491

Location

المنصورة, Al Mansoura, Raqqa, Syria
A single source reported the deaths of at least one civilian at al Mansoura village near Raqqa. According to Smart News, “Local sources told our Smart reporter that planes likely to be the international coalition, launched raids on the towns of Mansoura and Hunaida in the western countryside, killing four civilians and seriously wounding seven…

Summary

Published
13 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 February 2017

Incident Code

CI456

Location

ملعب الادراة المحلية, Mosul, Stadium and Bab-Al Sinjar, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that civilians were killed or injured after 37 alleged Coalition airstrikes targeted Mosul club yard and the surrounding buildings, as well as Al-Shafaa neighborhood, at the right side of Mosul. Majid Hamid Alhvozi died in the raids, according to Swalif Maslawyia (Facebook). His brothers Mustafa and Abdul Rahman were reportedly injured.  

Summary

Published
12 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 February 2017

Incident Code

CI457

Location

الموصل الجديدة, Mosul, Mosul al Jadida / New Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians during an attack on an IED facility in Mosul. In their April 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition noted: "During a strike on an ISIS VBIED facility, it was assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed when they…

Summary

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

Incident Date

12 February 2017

Incident Codes

CS487 TS078

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria
A Turkish or Coalition airstrike on al Bab killed up to 15 civilians, according to multiple reports. The Syrian Network blamed the US-led alliance, reporting that “8 civilians, including a child and 2 women, died in International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on Al Bab city.” Syrian News Desk, Manbij Direct and Al Bab 24 all…

Summary

Published
12 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
7–12
Civilians reported injured
11
Military Actor
Turkish Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident