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 December 2015

Incident Code

CI153

Location

الشركة, Ramadi, Sharika, Al Anbar, Iraq
Four civilians were reported killed and 17 injured in an alleged Coalition or Iraqi strike on the centre of Ramadi. According to FaceIraq, the source of the claim appeared to be Sputnik News, which itself reproted that “According to Iraqi security sources, who asked not to be named, a Coalition strike on the ‘Company’ area…

Summary

Published
9 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
17
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

9 December 2015

Incident Code

CI154

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
One child was reported killed and three civilians injured in an alleged Coalition strike at Mosul. Mosul Nawen and Iraqi Spring claimed the attack was carried out by a drone, on the east side the city (‘left bank’). In its July 2017 casualty report, the Coalition said it had classed the event as non credible…

Summary

Published
9 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2015

Incident Code

CS154

Location

الهول, Al Hawl, Al Hassakah, Syria
As many as 47 civilians were reported killed and 17 injured in an alleged US Apache helicopter and fast jet attack on the village of al Khan near al Hawl. Locals were involved in an altercation with Islamic State militants according to McClatchy, with Coalition aircraft attacking a convoy of reinforcements as they entered the…

Summary

Published
7 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
40–47
Civilians reported injured
17–30
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2015

Incident Code

CI151

Location

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
There were claims that eleven civilians were killed including two children – with three doctors injured – after Coalition aircraft allegedly bombed two health centers in Aski Mosul and Baduish villages in Mosul. In their January 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in these strikes…

Summary

Published
7 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
11
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 December 2015

Incident Code

CI152

Location

الفلوجة‎, Fallujah, Al Anbar, Iraq
An alleged Coalition airstrike on the Thubat district of Fallujah reportedly killed a young girl named as Ayesha Wadhah, and also wounded two other children named as Tabarek Wadhah (who lost a hand) and her brother Osama Wadhah. In their January 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for…

Summary

Published
7 December 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

6 December 2015

Incident Code

CS153

Location

دير الزور‎, Deir ez-Zor city, Deir Ezzor, Syria
On Sunday, December 6, 2015, a woman and her two children were reportedly killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Deir Ezzor city, in northeastern Syria. Reuters cited the Syrian Observatory as reporting that “In Deir al-Zor city, another air strike overnight killed a woman and two of her children.” In comments relating to the…

Summary

Published
6 December 2015
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident