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

23 November 2016

Incident Code

CS388

Location

مزرعة ميسلون, Maysalon Farms, Raqqa, Syria
As many as 25 civilians were reported killed following alleged Coalition evening airstrikes in the Maysalon farmlands area north of Raqqa. The Syrian Observatory reported two civilian deaths from Coalition actions – while others placed the death toll at 10, 16 and even 25. According to Step News, those killed were internally displaced peple from…

Summary

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

Incident Date

22 November 2016

Incident Code

CI345

Location

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq
At least 15 civilians were killed and 33 injured by either Coalition or Iraqi airstrikes, according to local sources. The Coalition later denied any role in the incident. Al Jazeera cited local medical sources and reported that 15 civilians were killed and 33 others injured by Iraqi Air Force and Coalition airstrikes in Tal Afar.…

Summary

Published
22 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
15
Civilians reported injured
33
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

22 November 2016

Incident Code

CI346

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, old bridge, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources said that  Coalition airstrikes targeted third bridge inside Mosul. As a result, one civilian killed and identified by name. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

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

Incident Date

22 November 2016

Incident Code

CS386

Location

العبارة, `Abbarah, Raqqa, Syria
A 20-year old non-combatant male named as Mohammad al Juma’a al Gaddou was killed in a reported Coalition strike on al I’bara, according to two sources. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

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

Incident Date

22 November 2016

Incident Codes

CS387 TS014

Location

صابويران, Sab Wayran, Aleppo, Syria
Two girls died in a reported Turkish or Coalition airstrike on the village of Sab Wayran near Aleppo, Syria. Manbij Military Council (linked to the SDF) reported that “two sisters were martyred from the family of Ahmad al Rashid Beish Illo after Turkish occupation planes raided their home in the village of Sab Wayran." It added…

Summary

Published
22 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
Turkish Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

21 November 2016

Incident Code

CS383

Location

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Raqqa, Syria
A dawn Coalition airstrike on the village of al Salhiyeh killed at least nine civilians – most from one family. The Coalition has since admitted two civilian deaths in the attack. ISIL’s media wing said the target of the raid was a cotton factory in the village, where three workers also died. Ara News cited…

Summary

Published
21 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
9–10
Civilians reported injured
13
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident