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

7 December 2016

Incident Code

CI363

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Multiple neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq
Nearly 100 civilians were killed or wounded in Mosul due to airstrikes and artillery bombardment, according to a local source. Iraqi Spring Media Center reported the deaths of 98 civilians in Mosul during the preceding 48 hours due to aerial and artillery bombardment targeting residential areas. In an emailed response to a report submitted by…

Summary

Published
7 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
98
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2016

Incident Code

CI364

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq
At least 60 civilians were killed and as many as 100 injured in a series of airstrikes in al Qaim, according to reports. However, the alleged Coalition later denied responsibility. Iraqi Spring Media Center said that 60 civilians were killed and 100 injured in an Iraqi government bombing that targeted al Qaim. A report posted…

Summary

Published
7 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
60–120
Civilians reported injured
100
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2016

Incident Code

CS407a

Location

near Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of seven civilians near Raqqa. Their February 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "Dec. 7, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, via social media report: During a strike on a compound occupied by ISIL fighters, it is assessed that seven civilians in the buildings…

Summary

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

Incident Date

6 December 2016

Incident Code

CI362

Location

Mosul, near al Salem hospital, Iraq
The Coalition mistakenly hit Iraqi forces during an airstrike near al Salem hospital in Mosul, according to some local sources. Iraqi Spring Media Center reported that the Coalition mistakenly targeted” government forces near Salam Hospital in the southeast of Mosul. And Sputnik News claimed that US Air Force bombs left 90 Iraqi military members dead…

Summary

Published
6 December 2016
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 December 2016

Incident Code

CS404

Location

العبارة, `Abbarah, Raqqa, Syria
Four civilians including three brothers – along with two ISIL fighters – were reported killed in an alleged Coalition air raid on al Abbara. Syria News Desk said that “Four civilians and two members of Islamic state were killed and others were injured this afternoon, due to international coalition raids targeting with four raids the…

Summary

Published
6 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 December 2016

Incident Codes

CS405 TS018

Location

البزاعة, Al Baza'a, Aleppo, Syria
Multiple sources blamed the US-led Coalition for the deaths of a woman and her seven children at al Baza’a, north east of al Bab. However the Coalition later assessed the claims as ‘Not credible.’ Given Turkey'sd own campaign at the time at Al-Bab, its aircraft may therefore have been responsible. According to Step News “Coalition…

Summary

Published
6 December 2016
Civilians reported killed
8
Civilians reported injured
22
Military Actor
Turkish Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident