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

24 March 2016

Incident Code

CI206

Location

القيارة, Qayyarah, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, CENTCOM later confirmed the death of a civilian in an airstrike near Qayyarah. Their November 2016 report noted: "near Qayyarah, Iraq, during a strike against an ISIL target, it is assessed that one civilian was killed.” The event occurred near the beginning of operations to liberate Qayyarah…

Summary

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

Incident Date

23 March 2016

Incident Code

CI205

Location

Hajj Ali, Nineveh, Iraq
The Coalition announced on April 30th 2017 that it had concluded an assessment on an NGO’s claims of civilian harm “near Hajj Ali, Iraq”. It is unknown to Airwars which NGO it is referred to. According to the Coalition report, “1. March 23, 2016, near Hajj Ali, Iraq, via NGO report: No Coalition strikes were…

Summary

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

Incident Date

22 March 2016

Incident Code

CI204

Location

Mosul, University of Mosul residencies, Nineveh, Iraq
In a fresh day of reported Coalition airstrikes on Mosul University, local sources said three university professors and some of their families were killed and many other civilians wounded, after jets hit academic residences. Up to 15 Daesh fighters also reportedly died. Heavy Coalition activity above the city was reported from dawn onwards. Yagen was…

Summary

Published
22 March 2016
Civilians reported killed
8–11
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 March 2016

Incident Code

CI203a

Location

القيارة, Qayarrah, Nineveh, Iraq
According to a field investigation conducted by reporters Azmah Khan and Anand Gopal for the New York Times, seven civilian were killed and one injured by a Coalition airstrike on a railway station in Qayyarah. The two journalists provided Airwars with the following: “According to our reporting, the following occurred: When ISIS left a mortar…

Summary

Published
19 March 2016
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 March 2016

Incident Code

CS192

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
In a second day of airstrikes on Raqqa, 43 civilians were reported killed and 60 injured – though sources are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime – with one report suggesting this may be a Coalition incident. The Daesh agency Al A’maq said there had been nine…

Summary

Published
19 March 2016
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilians reported killed
39–43
Civilians reported injured
60
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

19 March 2016

Incident Code

CI203

Location

الثقافية, Mosul, cultural group area, Nineveh, Iraq
At least 15 civilians were claimed killed alongside 40 or more Daesh fighters, in an alleged Coalition air raid on Mosul. NRN News first flashed at around noon local time “the fall of dozens of civilians by bombings on both sides of the city. More soon.” In a later bulletin, the news agency said the…

Summary

Published
19 March 2016
Civilians reported killed
15–25
Civilians reported injured
30–103
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident