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 September 2016

Incident Code

CI288

Location

عكاشات, Akashat or Saada, Al Anbar, Iraq
An alleged Coalition airstrike in the al Qaim area resulted in the deaths of five civilians including two named children, according to reports. Yaqein placed the incident on the evening of Saturday 17th. Picture of two unnamed boys emerged the same day, whose deaths were blamed on the Coalition. Two other civilians named as were among…

Summary

Published
16 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
7
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 September 2016

Incident Codes

CS314 RS1274

Location

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria
Up to five civilians reportedly died in an air raid on Maskanah which most sources said involved cluster munitions. Egypt Today put the death toll at five, "including a woman and her two daughters and her child". Reportedly, the strikes injured up to 12 civilians, including six children. While most reports blamed Russia, Baladi News claimed…

Summary

Published
16 September 2016
Civilians reported killed
4–5
Civilians reported injured
12–15
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

16 September 2016

Incident Code

CI285

Location

تلول الباج, Telul al-Baj, Nineveh, Iraq
Local sources claimed the Coalition targeted civilian homes at Telul Al Baj, to the south of Mosul, which resulted in several deaths and injuries including among women and children. Yaqein said several raids hit the town which killed and injured two or more civilians. And the Iraqi Spring Media Centre reported that The coalition air…

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 September 2016

Incident Code

CI286

Location

الزاوية, Zawiyah, Al Anbar, Iraq
An unspecified number of civilian casualties may have occurred near Haditha Dam following a reported strike on an imminent ISIL assault. According to El Nel News, Coalition aircraft bombed a gathering of Daesh militants, killing dozens of terrorists and foiling an attack on the perimeter of Haditha Dam in Anbar province in western Iraq. Yaqein…

Summary

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

Incident Date

16 September 2016

Incident Code

CI287

Location

راوة, Rawa , Al Anbar, Iraq
Two families including children were reported killed following a Coalition and Iraq government aircraft allegedly struck Rawa in a nighttime strike near the town’s Haji Osman mosque. According to News of Iraq, names of four victims have been listed. Reporting for this event and that below (at Akashat and Saada) remains confused. Given reported British…

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 September 2016

Incident Codes

CS313 RS1272

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
In what was widely reported as a Russian action, at least 27 civilians died and more than 70 were injured following airstrikes on Al Mayadeen. Almost all sources including Daesh blamed Russia. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered said 6 Russian planes carried out 20 strikes between them, including on a children’s playground. Shaam News added…

Summary

Published
15 September 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare, Education
Civilians reported killed
27–40
Civilians reported injured
70
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident