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

29 November 2016

Incident Code

CS400

Location

الرحيات, Al Rahiat, Raqqa, Syria
Four civilians were reported killed and between 8 and 12 injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Rahiat. In a detailed report, Syria News said that “two children and their parents were killed and 12 other civilians were injured after midnight, due to international coalition targeting of al Rahiat village under the control of…

Summary

Published
29 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
8–12
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

28 November 2016

Incident Code

CS399

Location

منطقة الحسيان, Al Hissiyan, Deir Ezzor, Syria
One to two civilians were reported killed in a Coalition strike on the al Hussian area of the al Bukamal desert. One young male civilian victim was named as Ahmad Fahid Hamoud (or al Kijja/ Kajia). Syria 2011 named Mohammad Fahid as killed – who may or may not be the same person. Only Euphrates…

Summary

Published
28 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

28 November 2016

Incident Code

CI353

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
In an alleged incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition noted in January 2017 that Nov. 28, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq: No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties. A senior official later informed Airwars that the alleged incident had come to light as…

Summary

Published
28 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
0–1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 November 2016

Incident Code

CS398

Location

الحاوي, Hawi, Deir Ezzor, Syria
A Coalition raid on oil infrastructure at Hawi in the Zebain area killed three civilians, according to multiple reports. The Coalition later confirmed the incident. According to Deir Ezzor 24 and others, those killed died when oil burners (primitive refineries) were targeted. Syria News Desk reported that “international coalition planes launched raids on primitive refineries…

Summary

Published
27 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 November 2016

Incident Code

CI350

Location

الصناعة, Mosul, industrial district, Nineveh, Iraq
Fourteen or more people were reported killed and 35 injured following the alleged Coalition bombing, according to local sources. Multiple social media accounts, including @IQsunni, reported identical reports, stating that 14 people were killed and 35 injured as a result of a US airstrike on an industrial area in Mosul. Another tweet, by @zyaad_alsenjar, wrote…

Summary

Published
26 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
14–18
Civilians reported injured
35
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 November 2016

Incident Code

CI351

Location

Mosul, Karama, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said one civilian was killed by Unknown bombing in Karama neighbourhood east of Mosul. Airwars's researcher contacted Zareen Ali, the victim relative who published the death event post and Ali had confirmed that bombing was by Daesh mortars. In their June 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible…

Summary

Published
26 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident