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

24 October 2016

Incident Code

CS347

Location

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria
3 civilians were killed when a garage was bombed by the Coalition, according to a local source. Smart News reported that 3 civilians were killed when a garage belonging to ISIL was struck by the Coalition. According to the account, six cars belonging to ISIL were also destroyed. The report noted other raids on that…

Summary

Published
24 October 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 October 2016

Incident Code

CI305

Location

بخديدا (Bakhdida), Qaraqosh, Nineveh, Iraq
The Coalition announced it was conducting an assessment of a possible civilian casualty event: Currently, three reports received in October are still being assessed… 3. Oct. 23, 2016, near Qaraqosh and Hasana, Iraq. A Coalition report issued the following month noted: Oct. 23, 2016, near Qaraqosh and Hasana, Iraq: Insufficient information provided or available to…

Summary

Published
23 October 2016
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

22 October 2016

Incident Code

CS344

Location

حاجي كوسا, Haji Koussa, Aleppo, Syria
Several outlets including Halab Today TV reported that a 15 year old girl named Iman Sillo was killed “following Coalition raids.” One report, from Hara FM, indicated that two civilians were killed.  

Summary

Published
22 October 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

22 October 2016

Incident Codes

CS345 TS005d

Location

الطويحينة, Al Tweihina, Aleppo, Syria
Airstrikes, possibly carried out by Turkish forces, killed one civilian according to one local report. Others referred only to violent clashes between non state actors. Smart News Agency reported that “international Coalition aircraft” targeting ISIS in Al Tweihina which it said killed one civilian and two members of the terror group. However, the report identified…

Summary

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

Incident Date

22 October 2016

Incident Code

CI303

Location

فايده, Fadhiliya, Nineveh, Iraq
A family of eight was killed in a Coalition airstrike on the ISIL-occupied village of Fadhiliya. CENTCOM later confirmed it had carried out the airstrikes and had killed all eight civilians. Iraq based reporter Fazel Hawramy spoke by phone with family members in the village shortly after the event, who confirmed that eight people had…

Summary

Published
22 October 2016
Civilians reported killed
8
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

22 October 2016

Incident Code

CI304

Location

بخديدا (Bakhdida), Qaraqosh, Nineveh, Iraq
The Coalition announced in December 2016 it was conducting an assessment of a possible civilian casualty event: Currently, three reports received in October are still being assessed… Oct. 22, 2016, near Qaraqosh and Hasana, Iraq. On January 2nd 2017 a new Coalition report noted: No Coalition strikes were conducted on structures in the geographic area…

Summary

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