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

28 May 2016

Incident Code

CS219

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
A single source – the Local Coordination Committees for Syria – reported that “four civilians were killed in ‪Raqqa‬ city, during airstrikes by international coalition warplanes.” The Coalition has confirmed carrying out strikes on the city that day. But the Syrian Observatory noted: “[Unspecified] Warplanes targeted al-Raqqa city and its outskirts, no reports of losses.”…

Summary

Published
28 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

27 May 2016

Incident Code

CS217

Location

كلجبرين, Kaljibrin, Aleppo, Syria
A fierce battle for the town of Kaljibrin left up to 39 civilians dead – with both Daesh and the Coalition blamed for the fatalities. So-called Islamic State launched a major assault on Kaljibrin, later releasing a video in which it boasted of capturing weapons there. However Coaltion aircraft then reportedly struck at Daesh forces…

Summary

Published
27 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
28–65
Civilians reported injured
12
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 May 2016

Incident Code

CI243

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, East, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, CENTCOM later confirmed the death of a civilian in an event near Mosul. Their November 2016 civilian casualty report noted: "during a strike against ISIL fighters, it is assessed that one civilian was killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released its weapon." In July…

Summary

Published
26 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

25 May 2016

Incident Code

CI242

Location

الرشيدية, Mosul, Al-Rashidiyah, Nineveh, Iraq
Several local sources said 6 or more civilians were killed and 13 to 25 wounded, including children and women, after the Coalition struck a shopping mall in the Al Rashidiya region north of Mosul. News of Iraq noted in its report that “Our source in Mosul pointed out that the bombardment was a very strong…

Summary

Published
25 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
6–9
Civilians reported injured
13–25
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

24 May 2016

Incident Code

CI241

Location

17 تموز, Mosul, Talmuz / July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq
Seven civilians were reported killed and 23 injured in two reported alleged Coalition raids. In the first event Coalition aircraft reportedly struck a Daesh security headquarters in the July 17th neighbourhood of Mosul. Iraqi Revolution – which published an aftermath picture showing a massive plume of smoke (right) – said the area around the Almoghaith…

Summary

Published
24 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
23
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

23 May 2016

Incident Code

CI240

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, East, Nineveh, Iraq
A reported Coalition strike on the home of an ISIL fighter in Mosul also allegedly killed his wife and children, according to local reports. NRN News, citing a source in the east of the occupied city, reported: “The Daesh fighter was standing at the door of his home when the first missile struck him and…

Summary

Published
23 May 2016
Civilians reported killed
5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident