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

26 November 2016

Incident Code

CI352

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians near Mosul. Their January 2017 civilian casualty report noted "During a strike on ISIL fighters and a technical vehicle it is assessed that two civilians were unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast." A senior official later informed Airwars…

Summary

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

Incident Date

26 November 2016

Incident Code

CS397

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
In an incident previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian in Raqqa. Their January 2017 civilian casualty reported noted "During a strike on ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle it is assessed that one civilian pedestrian was unintentionally killed by the munition’s strike blast.” In July 2019, the Coalition…

Summary

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

Incident Date

25 November 2016

Incident Code

CS394

Location

قرطبة, Qortoba, Raqqa, Syria
Four civilians were killed in a reported afternoon airstrike on Qortoba village, as a heavy Coalition/ SDF campaign against ISIL continued. Al A’Amaq Media reported two deaths initially. According to Syria News Desk, “Coalition aircraft bombed three houses in the centre of Qahtaniyah, killing four civilians including a child, and injuring more than 14 others,…

Summary

Published
25 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
7–14
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 November 2016

Incident Code

CS395

Location

الرطبة, Al Rutba, Raqqa, Syria
Two unnamed civilians were reported killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Rutba. According to Shaam News, “two civilians were martyred by the bombing of the international coalition aircraft on al Rutba village north of Raqqa.” Al Araby al Jadid also reported that “Civilians were killed and wounded in raids by the international coalition…

Summary

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

Incident Date

24 November 2016

Incident Code

CS391

Location

قرية مراط, Marat, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In a report which may be confused in part with event CS390 in Maarat, warplanes struck Marat – apparently for the second time in 24 hours – killing up to five civilians. Free Deir Ezzor Radio reported that “warplanes launch two raids targeting the villages of Marat – the raids were in the same area…

Summary

Published
24 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–5
Civilians reported injured
0–4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

24 November 2016

Incident Code

CI348

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
There were claims by local sources that as many as 70 civilian casualties occurred in Mosul as a result of Coalition strikes, ISIL bombardment or Iraq Army actions. Iraqi Spring Media Center reported that 70 civilians were killed or wounded by “either” the Coalition or Iraqi government artillery. Other reports put the toll lower, including…

Summary

Published
24 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
35–65
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident