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

16 November 2016

Incident Code

CS376

Location

الثورة‎, Al-Thawrah (Tabaqah), Raqqa, Syria
A single source reported that an unspecified number of civilian casualties were caused by a Coalition strike on al Tabaqa. According to Smart News, “A number of civilians died and wounded on Wednesday-Thursday night due to aerial bombing of the international coalition on Tabaqa city in the western countryside of Raqqa.” No other details are…

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 November 2016

Incident Code

CS377

Location

الرقة‎, Al Manghiyah and Al Sina’a, Raqqa, Syria
A single source reported that two civilians were killed and nine injured by Coalition strikes on the Raqqa neighbourhoods of Al Manghiyah and Al Sina’a. According to Smart News, “Our correspondent said that the international coalition aircraft against IS launched two raids on the neighborhood Al Manghiyah and Al Sina’a, which led to the deaths…

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 November 2016

Incident Code

CI339

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq
At least ten civilians were killed by strikes in Anbar province, according to local sources. Yaqein reported that 10 civilians were killed and others injured, including women and children by both Coalition and Iraqi Air Force planes. One additional report, posted by @amsiiraq, referred to dozens of dead and wounded, and also cited the Coalition…

Summary

Published
15 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
10
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

15 November 2016

Incident Code

CS373

Location

أبو وحل, Abu Wahil, Raqqa, Syria
Three civilians reportedly died in a Coalition airstrike on Abu Wahil village, according to sources. Syria News Desk reported the following: “The media opposition activist Mohamed Osman, quoting civilian sources from Abu Wahil, said Coalition aircraft targeted with severe rocket explosion the homes of civilians in both villages, which led to the deaths of three…

Summary

Published
15 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
3–6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

15 November 2016

Incident Code

CS374

Location

مزرعة القادسية, Mazra'at Al Qadissiya, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian reportedly died in a Coalition airstrike at Mazra’at al Qadissiya, according to local sources. Smart News noted “Casualties due to coalition airstrikes in Mazra’at Al Qadissiya and Abu Wahel in Raqqa.” Syria News Desk reported the following: “The media opposition activist Mohamed Osman, quoting civilian sources from Abu Wahil, said Coalition aircraft targeted…

Summary

Published
15 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3–6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

15 November 2016

Incident Code

CI340

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Airport and Gizlani camp, Nineveh, Iraq
In January 2017 the Coalition issued a statement denying responsibility for alleged civilian casualties in Mosul six weeks earlier. Nov. 15, 2016, near Mosul, Iraq: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that no civilians were harmed in this strike, the Coalition noted. A senior official later informed Airwars that the…

Summary

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