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 October 2015

Incident Code

CI121

Location

كبيسة, Kabaisa, Al Anbar, Iraq
A single source alleged that a Coalition strike at Kabisa City near Hit in Anbar had killed four civilians. A Coalition report issued in December 2016 noted: “After a thorough review of the facts and circumstances of each alleged civilian casualty report, CJTF-OIR assessed that the following 12 reports received in October are non-credible. Non-credible…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 October 2015

Incident Code

CS135

Location

جبل عبدالعزيز, Abdulaziz Mt, Al Hassakah, Syria
A single source listed an adult male non-combatant as a victim of Coalition action. According to VDC, Ahmad Nayef Al Hamad was from Baseera in Dayr ez Zawr, and was killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Abdulaziz mountain in Al Hassaka. In their January 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that…

Summary

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

Incident Date

8 October 2015

Incident Code

CI120

Location

الفلوجة‎, Fallujah, Al Anbar, Iraq
Local sources reported that either government shelling or a warplane from the international Coalition struck civilians betwen noon and 1pm as they were using the Albu Shajal crossing point north of Fallujah, allegedly killing up to 14 non-combatants and injuring 12 more. According to Al Fallujah News there were two strikes at the crossing point,…

Summary

Published
8 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
11–14
Civilians reported injured
12
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

7 October 2015

Incident Code

CI119

Location

Shura, Nineveh, Iraq
There were reports that a dozen people were killed – including five women – following alleged Coalition attacks which struck civilian homes at Shura, 40 km south of Mosul. In their January 2020 civilian casualty report, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they had killed civilians in this strike as "non-credible", stating that no Coalition…

Summary

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

Incident Date

6 October 2015

Incident Codes

CS133 RS0020

Location

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria
Two children and a 46-year-old male were reportedly killed during four alleged Russian strikes in the evening in Anadan in the northern Aleppo countryside in Syria. Another man was also named as a victim by VDC. Eyewitnesses described at least one secondary strike. A local medic told Qassioun: “Between the afternoon and evening, Russian planes…

Summary

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

Incident Date

6 October 2015

Incident Codes

CS134 RS0021

Location

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria
According to the Syrian Observatory, “preliminary information reported the death of civilians – including women and children – in the bombing by Russian warplanes on areas at the eastern outskirts of Palmyra city which is controlled by the ‘Islamic State’.” According to most sources, between 12 and 14 members of two Bedouin families died, including…

Summary

Published
6 October 2015
Civilians reported killed
12–15
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military, U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident