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

9 July 2016

Incident Code

CS255

Location

الخفسة, Al Khafsa, Aleppo, Syria
In what appears to be a separate incident from the two Manbij events for July 9th outlined above, up to five civilians reportedly died in a Coalition strike on Al Khafsa town. As Syria News Desk noted, “A civilian source from inside Manbij told Syria news desk that 5 civilians were killed and 15 others…

Summary

Published
9 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
1–5
Civilians reported injured
15
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 July 2016

Incident Code

CS253

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria
Four civilians were reported killed and 15 injured in multiple Coalition strikes on Manbij, according to local reports. In a separate incident, 17-year old Zaki al Mohammad died when the Aleppo Road [or Al Hajj Street] bridge was destroyed. Lens Young Manbij also reported that “yesterday on Saturday one of the doctors at the general…

Summary

Published
9 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
15
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 July 2016

Incident Code

CS254

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria
Heavy reported Coalition strikes on the al Hunaithal neighbourhood of western Manbij led to the additional deaths of five named civilians, according to reports. Al Hall described the location as al Rabita Street. On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be "non-credible", stating that "After review…

Summary

Published
9 July 2016
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

8 July 2016

Incident Code

CI264

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq
Six members of one family including four children were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Qaim. Yaqen reported that “the bombing also caused considerable material damage to civilian homes in those affected areas in the city of Qaim.” And Rawa Hama said a number of Daesh fighters were also killed and injured…

Summary

Published
8 July 2016
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

8 July 2016

Incident Code

CS252

Location

تل السمن, Tal al Samin, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition night raid on the village of Tal al Samin. According to Local Civil Defence of Syria, “Coalition planes launched a raid last night on the village of Tal Al Samin south of the town of Ain Issa, which led to the death of two civilians –…

Summary

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

Incident Date

7 July 2016

Incident Code

CS249

Location

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria
Three civilians were reported killed and others injured during a reported Coalition targeted strike on an ISIL vehicle in Manbij. According to Local Civil Defence, “International Coalition warplanes target an ISIL vehicle near Hal marketplace in Manbij city. Four were killed among them. But three martyrs among civilians were also reported, according to a local…

Summary

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