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

21 October 2016

Incident Code

CI301

Location

داقوق, Duquq, Kirkuk, Iraq
At least 15 civilians – most or all women – were killed and 45 or more wounded by an airstrike which hit a Shi’ite shrine in Duquq, according to local sources. The Coalition later categorically denied that it was responsible for the event, with Iraqi aircraft most likely at fault. Local official Amir Huda Karam…

Summary

Published
21 October 2016
Civilians reported killed
15
Civilians reported injured
45–50
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

21 October 2016

Incident Code

CI302

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, South, girls' school, Nineveh, Iraq
The Russian Military General Staff claimed that a Coalition airstrike on a girls’ school south of Mosul killed a number of civilians. According to Sputnik News, The Russian General Staff said that more than 60 civilians were killed and 200 others were injured during air strikes launched by the international coalition led by the United…

Summary

Published
21 October 2016
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

20 October 2016

Incident Code

CI300

Location

حي الحدباء, Mosul, Hadba, Nineveh, Iraq
One civilian male was killed in Mosul’s Hadba neighbourhood by Coalition strikes, according to local reports. Al Rafidain Network for Human Rights reported that a young man named Mustafa Bushar al Qaddu was killed inside his home due to Coalition strikes. Iraaq 18 said the civilian casualties occured after the Coalition destroyed a vehicle-borne IED:…

Summary

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

Incident Date

19 October 2016

Incident Code

CI299

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Muhammadiyah Mosque, Nineveh, Iraq
Between two and three civilians were killed in a Coalition strike on the Al Rawda Al Muhammadiyah Mosque in the al-Muthanna area of Mosul city, according to local MP Abd Al Raheem Al Shamery and other sources. According to some reports, a kindergarten at the mosque was also destroyed. Given reported British actions in the…

Summary

Published
19 October 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2016

Incident Codes

CS343b RS1487

Location

الرميلة, al Rumaila, Raqqa, Syria
Twenty civilians, reportedly from three families, died and more were wounded in airstrikes on Raqqa’s al Rumaila neighborhood, local media said. Most reports attributed the event to Russia, though one source said that the Coalition carried out a strike which led to civilian casualties. According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, “Russian planes targeted the…

Summary

Published
18 October 2016
Civilians reported killed
20
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2016

Incident Code

CI297

Location

حمام العليل, Hamam al Alil, Nineveh, Iraq
On the second day of the offensive to recapture Mosul, Coalition strikes reportedly damaged a medical center in the south of the city leaving several dead, including at least three children. Al Rafidain Network for Human Rights reported that “American” bombings targeted a health center in Hamam al-Alil, south of Mosul. Ahmed Mashal posted that…

Summary

Published
18 October 2016
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident