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

19 October 2015

Incident Code

CI129

Location

تل كيف‎, Tel Kepe (Tel Kayf), Nineveh, Iraq
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq reported that seven people died when a minbus was struck in an airstrike near Mosul. According to UNAMI, “At 10h30 a.m. on 20 October, seven civilians were killed – including three women and two children – and one was seriously wounded when the minibus in which they were…

Summary

Published
19 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
6–7
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2015

Incident Code

CI124

Location

عنه, Anah al Jadidah, Al Anbar, Iraq
One woman was reported killed and up to ten other civlians injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike at Anah, a town close to Hit. According to Iraqi Revolution, houses and shops were damaged in the event. A video obtained by A3Maq showed burning buildings in the appparent aftermath of a night-time attack. In their January…

Summary

Published
18 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
10
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2015

Incident Code

CI125

Location

القائم, Al Qa'im, Al Anbar, Iraq
Six civilians were reported killed and 27 injured in an alleged Coalition strike at al Qaim in Anbar province.  

Summary

Published
18 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
27
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2015

Incident Code

CI126

Location

الكسك, Kisik Junction, Nineveh, Iraq
A civilian taxi was reportedly destroyed in a Coalition airstrike at Kisik Junction north west of Mosul, killing up to eight civilians including two children and a woman. A girl reportedly survived the attack. The event, described as an evening airstrike, led to the deaths of a number of named victims. The Coalition has confirmed striking…

Summary

Published
18 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
5–8
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2015

Incident Code

CI127

Location

القوسيات, Alqosjat, Nineveh, Iraq
In what may be a separate incident or confused reporting (see also the Kisik Junction report for this date) there were reports of a family of eight or nine killed at Alqosjat – an event said to have killed a woman and two children. In their January 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed…

Summary

Published
18 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
8–9
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2015

Incident Code

CI128

Location

الحويجة, Hawijah, Kirkuk, Iraq
A single source reported that members of a family were killed or injured, after Coalition aircraft reportedly struck three civilian cars near the city of Hawijah. The victims were said to be travelling to Hawijah to pick up their state pensions. According to NRN, “the international coalition may have believed that those cars were linked…

Summary

Published
18 October 2015
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident