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

3 November 2016

Incident Code

CI318

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
Nine civilians were killed and over 115 claimed wounded, according to ISIL-linked sources. ISIL-controlled al A’amaq reported that more than 9 civilians died, including four children and a woman, and “about 115 wounded as a result of US airstrikes” in Mosul. A distressing video posted by the ISIL-controlled outlet initially shows several destroyed buildings in…

Summary

Published
3 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
115
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2016

Incident Code

CI316

Location

حي القدس, Mosul, Al-Quds, Nineveh, Iraq
Four women were killed and 17 people injured, including women and children, followed an alleged Coalition strikes according to local media. However, the Coalition later refuted any involvement. An initial report from ISIL-controlled al A’amaq claimed that four women were killed and 17 people injured, including women and children in the US bombing in parts…

Summary

Published
2 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
17
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2016

Incident Code

CI317

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, East, Nineveh, Iraq
According to local sources, three members of a family, as well as a father and son, were killed by mortar fire in eastern Mosul. Mosul Eye reported that mortars fell on apartment buildings, and killed a family of 3. Mosul Kadema named the two victims and published their pictures.

Summary

Published
2 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2016

Incident Code

CS355

Location

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria
Two combatants were killed by an airstrike in Idlib, according to local sources. Baladi Network initially reported that a car carrying civilians was hit with three missiles, “leading to the burning of the car and the charring of the bodies of two people.” Images posted by the outlet showed a large fire and a burnt…

Summary

Published
2 November 2016
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
0–2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2016

Incident Code

RS1524

Location

معرة مصرين, Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria
Four civilians died and between four and ten were wounded after a series of three cluster missile attacks were carried out against the city of Maarat Misrin, according to local media. The majority of sources have assigned responsibility to Syrian regime planes but LCCSY and Syria Idlib Today alleged that Russian warplanes carried out the…

Summary

Published
2 November 2016
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
4–10
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

2 November 2016

Incident Code

CS356

Location

معرة مصرين, Maraat Misrin, Idlib, Syria
Airstrikes variously blamed on the Coalition, on Russia and on the Assad regime targeted Fatah al Sham positions in Maarat Mislin, reportedly also killing four civilians and injuring at least two more. Initial reports – which said the town was struck three times – claimed either Russia or the Assad regime was responsible. The Syrian…

Summary

Published
2 November 2016
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident