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

22 December 2016

Incident Code

CS419

Location

جعبر, Ja'abar, Raqqa, Syria
Seven or more civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike at Ja’abar during fighting for control of the town. According to LCCSY, “Civilian martyrs and wounded by the international coalition aircraft bombed on the outskirts of the village of #Ja’abar #Tabaqa city.” According to the Syrian Network, “six civilians died in International Coalition…

Summary

Published
22 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
7–9
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

20 December 2016

Incident Code

CS418

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, al Thani, Raqqa, Syria
Four to five civilians were reported killed and ten injured in a Coalition airstrike on al Tabaqa. According to most sources a possible civilian woman, two men and two children died in the attack. According to ISIL’s media wing “a child and a woman and man [were] killed and 10 people injured as a result…

Summary

Published
20 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

20 December 2016

Incident Code

CI375

Location

شارع خالد بن الوليد, Mosul, Khalid Bin Al Waleed street / Al Masrif, Nineveh, Iraq
Seven civilians were killed in alleged Coalition strikes, according to local sources. ISIL-controlled Al A’amaq reported that seven people died in a US bombing at Khalid Bin Waleed Street on the eastern side of Mosul. At least three other outlets, including Al Kawaser reported identical reports, using the same language. A local source later named…

Summary

Published
20 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 December 2016

Incident Code

CI374

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Farouk and other neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq
More than 40 civilians were reported killed or injured due to shelling inside Mosul. Naynawaalghad TV cited what it said were medical sources in Mosul, who told the outlet that 41 civilians were killed or wounded as a result of artillery fire from an unknown source. The outlet noted that residents were forced to bury…

Summary

Published
17 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 December 2016

Incident Codes

CS417 TS025

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria
Three unnamed civilian males were reported killed in a Turkish (or less likely Coalition) action at al Bab. The Coalition later denied responsibility. According to Step News, “Turkish planes targeted al Bab, east of Aleppo, with three raids and there are news about casualties.” VDC later reported three unidentfied male civilian deaths – though said…

Summary

Published
17 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
Turkish Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 December 2016

Incident Code

CS415

Location

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria
Sixteen child soldiers were killed in Coalition airstrikes at al Shadadi, according to a local source.    

Summary

Published
16 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
0–16
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident