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

13 December 2015

Incident Code

CI158

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
There were single-source claims that 19 civilians died in a Coalition airstrike on Mosul. Citing local residents, the National Iraqi News Agency claimed that “international coalition aircraft bombed residential compounds in the Hadbah area east of Mosul, killing 19 civilians including six women and four children, and wounding six others.” However Airwars’ own sources in…

Summary

Published
13 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
19
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 December 2015

Incident Code

CI156

Location

الرمادي, Ramadi, Al Anbar, Iraq
A family of five including three children was killed in a US airstrike on the Albothiab Island area of Ramadi. The deceased, the Kazem family, were later named by Al Fallujah News. CENTCOM confirmed the casualty event on April 22nd 2016, noting: “On Dec. 12, 2015, in Ramadi, Iraq, during a strike on ISIL personnel…

Summary

Published
12 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
5
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 December 2015

Incident Code

CS156

Location

كبش, Kabsh, Raqqa, Syria
At least six civilians were killed and four injured in what was reported as a Coalition drone strike at Kabsh in northern Al Raqqah. The attack targeted what was described as “a small convoy of vehicles transporting passengers”. A minibus carrying the civilians was said to have been destroyed. The Syrian Press Centre was the…

Summary

Published
12 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

12 December 2015

Incident Code

RS0267

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria
Twelve civilians – most of which were women and children – were killed and several injured in an airstrike on Al Soussa – though reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. One source also blames the Coalition. The Shaam News Network initially reported that 10 non-combatants…

Summary

Published
12 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
12
Civilians reported injured
12–20
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

10 December 2015

Incident Code

CI155

Location

الرمادي, Ramadi, Road between Ramadi and Rutba, Al Anbar, Iraq
Eight civilians – including a senior veterinarian and his wife – were reported killed when three vehicles were hit in an alleged Coalition airstrike, as they travelled on the road between Ramadi and Rutba. Dr. Ahmed Hamid Al-Jumaily (pictured) – the director of a major veterinary hospital in Anbar – was killed along with his…

Summary

Published
10 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
7–8
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

10 December 2015

Incident Code

CS155

Location

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria
In a casualty event previously unknown to Airwars, CENTCOM confirmed on April 22nd 2016 that one civilian was killed during a US airstrike against a high value target in Raqqah. According to the official release, “On Dec. 10, 2015, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during strikes against Siful Sujan, an ISIL external operations planner, it was…

Summary

Published
10 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Military actors reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident