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

8 February 2017

Incident Code

CI451

Location

قصر المطران, Mosul, Qasr al-Mataraan, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that four children, all from the same family, were killed and their parents seriously injured after unspecified airstrikes allegedly targeted their house in the Qasr al-Mataraan or “Bishop Palace” area at the right side of Mosul. Iraqi Spring Media Center spoke of three children killed, while Ajel Al Mosul put the death…

Summary

Published
8 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
3–4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

Incident Code

CI452

Location

near Mosul, Iraq

Summary

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

Incident Date

7 February 2017

Incident Codes

CS477 RS1873

Location

إدلب, Idlib, Idlib, Syria
A major airstrike on Idlib city killed up to 30 civilians and injured up to 300 more. Reports blamed both Russia and the US-led Coalition for the attack. The Coalition has expressly denied any involvement – though a unilateral US action remains possible. The attack – which reportedly involved both airstrikes and missiles – caused…

Summary

Published
7 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
5–30
Civilians reported injured
12–300
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 February 2017

Incident Code

CI449

Location

Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that between 20 and 42 civilians were killed, including women and children, and dozens injured after Coalition airstrikes and governmental forces targeted residential neighborhoods at the right side of Mosul. While Iraq Amsi spoke of “about 20 civilians dead and wounded”, Iraqi Spring put the death toll much higher, at 42, and…

Summary

Published
6 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
20–42
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 February 2017

Incident Code

CI450

Location

17 تموز, Mosul, July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident previously reported by so-called Islamic State, the Coalition confirmed on April 1st that it had accidentally injured three non-combatants in an attack. ISIS had reported five deaths and 29 injuries. Locals also said at least five people had died. The Coalition noted in its April 2017 casualty report: “near Mosul, Iraq, via…

Summary

Published
6 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
3–29
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 February 2017

Incident Code

CS476

Location

جبل منحار, Minhar Mountain, Raqqa, Syria
A number of people were reported killed – combatant status unknown – as a result of alleged Coalition airstrikes at Minhar mountain. Smart News reported “dead and wounded in international coalition raids on Minhar mountain in eastern Raqqa countryside.” However, like other sources it did not offer any additional details.  

Summary

Published
6 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
0–1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident