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

6 October 2016

Incident Code

CS330

Location

تل الجاير, Tall al-Jayer, Al Hassakah, Syria
Local sources reported that between 1 and 2 people were killed and possibly one other person injured in Tal al-Jayer when Coalition jets bombed a school and adjacent house. In an apparent reference to the incident, the Coalition noted on December 1st 2016 that “three reports received in October are still being assessed” including “Oct.…

Summary

Published
6 October 2016
Infrastructure
Education
Civilians reported killed
1–2
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 October 2016

Incident Code

CS331

Location

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria
In a likely separate incident to the one listed above, the Coalition reported the following in its February 2017 civilian casualty report: “Oct. 6, 2016, near Al Shadadi, Syria, via self-report: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that no civilians were harmed in this strike.”  

Summary

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

Incident Date

6 October 2016

Incident Code

CS332

Location

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
In a previously unknown incident, on December 1st, 2016 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm: “(12.) Oct. 6, 2016, near Aleppo, Syria: No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographical area.“ Airwars researchers have so far identified no known public allegations of civilians killed or…

Summary

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

Incident Date

6 October 2016

Incident Code

CI293

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Dawassa area, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources claimed a Coalition targeted the Al Dawwasa area south of Mosul, resulting in 3 to 7 civilian deaths and 11 injuries. Citing a local source, Al Araby said: the air strike targeted the al Dawwasa area (south of Mosul), which targeted some residential buildings in the area. The source said seven civilians were…

Summary

Published
6 October 2016
Civilians reported killed
3–7
Civilians reported injured
11
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

5 October 2016

Incident Code

CS328

Location

ﺣﻠﺐ, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria
According to a Coalition report issued in December 2016, on “(11.) Oct. 5, 2016, near Aleppo, Syria: No Coalition strikes were conducted on that day in the geographical area." Airwars researchers have so far identified no known public allegations of civilians killed or injured in Aleppo governorate on this date.

Summary

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

Incident Date

4 October 2016

Incident Codes

CS327 TS005

Location

الثلثانة, Taltanah, Aleppo, Syria
Up to 19 civilians including 3 children were killed – and as many as 41 people injured – when airstrikes hit the village of Al Thaltanah. Multiple reports initially assigned blame to the Coalition or Turkish forces. However, on December 1st 2016 the Coalition conceded it had injured one civilian in the event. The Syrian…

Summary

Published
4 October 2016
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
11–19
Civilians reported injured
41
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident