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

5 February 2017

Incident Code

CS475

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians were reported killed and five injured in a night time strike on al Tabaqa. According to Smart News “A source native to the city said that unknown aircraft launched three raids, targeting the first and second neighbourhoods and the area near the National Hospital. A medical source at Al Tabaqa hospital reported the…

Summary

Published
5 February 2017
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

4 February 2017

Incident Code

CS474

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, First neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria
Four civilians were reported killed and other injured in a confirmed Coalition strike on al Tabaqa. According to the Euphrates Post “four people were martyred including two children and two others injured following international coalition raids on al Tabaqa.” Raqqa is Being Slaughtered reported major destruction in the town, noting that the strikes targeted the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 February 2017

Incident Code

CI448

Location

Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition reported in April that a self-assessment had concluded no civilian casualties had occured in a February 4th action at Mosul. According to the report: “Feb. 4, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that…

Summary

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

Incident Date

3 February 2017

Incident Code

CS472

Location

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria
A confirmed US airstrike on a militant group reportedly linked to Al Qaeda also possibly killed or injured a number of civilians. According to Step News, 12 or more members of new group Hai’at Tahrir al Sham were killed in a raid targeting a meeting on the edges of Sarmin. As Step News explained, “Hai’at…

Summary

Published
3 February 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
0–10
Civilians reported injured
12
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

3 February 2017

Incident Code

CI447

Location

Al Abyad, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition reported in April that a self-assessment had concluded no civilian casualties had occured in a February 3rd action at Mosul. According to the report: “Feb. 3, 2017, near Al-Abyad, Iraq, via self-report: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that…

Summary

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

Incident Date

Incident Code

CS473

Location

Deir Ezzor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Summary

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