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

9 December 2016

Incident Code

CS409

Location

معيزيلة, Ma'yezila, Raqqa, Syria
Between 17 and 32 civilians were reported killed and a further 20 or more injured following alleged Coalition strikes on Ma’yezila. According to Riba FM, the strike took place near the town’s Alh mosque. Raqqa News Network reported that “Al-Ma’yzila’s population is less than 300 and they all have the same grandfather. More than 28…

Summary

Published
9 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
17–32
Civilians reported injured
20
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 December 2016

Incident Codes

CS410 TS019

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria
At least thirteen civilians were reported killed and eight injured in either a Turkish or Coalition airstrike on al Bab. The Coalition later denied responsibility. Al Jazeera – citing ISIS – said two families were among 13 dead civilians after multiple “Turkish airstrikes” on the city. The Syrian Observatory said that “no less than 12…

Summary

Published
9 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
13–20
Civilians reported injured
12
Military Actor
Turkish Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 December 2016

Incident Code

CI366

Location

Mosul, Furqan mosque, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition admitted in its February 2017 civilian casualty report that it had likely killed two civilians during a strike on an ISIL road repair team. As the report noted: "Dec. 9, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq, via self-report: During a strike on ISIL construction equipment in the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 December 2016

Incident Code

CI365

Location

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq
Yaqein reported that more than 40 civilians, including civilians, were killed in Iraqi government bombing. Citing a source, they said that there were 42 victims. Al Hadath, citing the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, also cited government airstrikes in Tel Abtah, but said that they killed 42 terrorists, and destroyed three cars, one carrying members of…

Summary

Published
8 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
42
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

8 December 2016

Incident Code

CS408

Location

البحرة, Al Bahra, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least one named civilian was reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on al Bahra. According to Al Nateq, “A Coalition airstrike in Al Bahra, in the countryside of Abu Kamal, killed civilians: one person was identified as Hassan Al-Jandeel.” In an emailed response to a report submitted by Airwars on this and other…

Summary

Published
8 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2016

Incident Code

CS407

Location

المشيرفة, Al Msheirfa, Raqqa, Syria
Two families consisting of at least 11 people were killed at al Msheirfa in a Coalition airstrike, according to various sources. According to All 4 Syria, “18 civilians were killed in Al Msheirfa according to the initial death toll due to coalition warplane shelling. The warplanes targeted the house of Rajab Al-Ali Al-Hilal Al-Taweel and…

Summary

Published
7 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
11–20
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident