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

18 February 2016

Incident Code

CI193

Location

الفتحة, Fatha, Nineveh, Iraq
Four civilians were reported killed and two injured during an alleged Coalition strike on the village of Fatha north of Mosul according to Al Araby, which said the bodies were transfered to a local morgue. No additional information is presently available. In their February 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they…

Summary

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

Incident Date

18 February 2016

Incident Code

CS180

Location

جرير, Jareer, Al Hassakah, Syria
According to reports up to nine civilians died in the village of Al Jareer 4km east of Al Shadadi, after a Coalition aircraft allegedly struck a vehicle. According to the Union of Hassakah Youth Movement, most of those who died were women. Ara news cited a local man it named as Hamid Al Abdullah: “The…

Summary

Published
18 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
8–9
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 February 2016

Incident Code

CS181

Location

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria
Multiple civilian sites in the city were allegedly targeted by Coalition F-16s and F-15Es according to reports, reportedly leading to the deaths of 12 civilians. According to the Damascus Center, “According to field information, the raids were carried out by white and blue/gray fighter planes on civilian areas inhabited by displaced persons from Dayr ez…

Summary

Published
18 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
12
Civilians reported injured
32
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 February 2016

Incident Code

CS176

Location

الهول, Al Hawl, Al Hassakah, Syria
According to the Hassakah Youth Movement, “International Coalition planes have carried out several raids along the front lines south west of Al Hawl and targets in the village of Al Hazim. There are reports of the martyrdom of several civilians.“ Shaam News also reported that Coalition airstrikes in support of Kurdish forces “led to the…

Summary

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

Incident Date

17 February 2016

Incident Code

CI191

Location

يت, Hit, Al Anbar, Iraq
According to multiple local sources, a Coalition or Iraqi government aircraft struck the Sina’i, Bakir and Jame’iya neighbourhoods in Hit district, western Anbar, resulting in the deaths of 2 or 3 civilians and the injuring of 5 more. Daesh-linked Al A’amaq said the strikes were the work of the Coalition. The Iraqi Spring Media Center…

Summary

Published
17 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
2–3
Civilians reported injured
5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

17 February 2016

Incident Code

CS177

Location

الحسكة, Al-Hasakah, Al Hassakah, Syria
Alleged Coalition airstrikes on three or four Daesh-controlled villages killed 15 civilians including three children, according to both the Syrian Observatory and the Hassakah Youth Movement. In a later report, the Damascus Center noted: “On the afternoon [of Wednesday 17th February 2016), planes likely to be the Coalition launched more than ten air strikes, affecting…

Summary

Published
17 February 2016
Civilians reported killed
15–40
Civilians reported injured
70
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident