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

1 July 2015

Incident Code

CI080

Location

تل الرمان, Mosul, Tel Ruman, Nineveh, Iraq
There were claims that up to 22 civilians were killed and 16 injured in Coalition airstrikes to the west of Mosul. Women and children were reported to be among the casualties. In a January 2016 report, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq noted: “According to a source, on 1 July, 17 civilians, including four…

Summary

Published
1 July 2015
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
17–22
Civilians reported injured
11–16
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

1 July 2015

Incident Code

CI081

Location

الحويجة, Safra, Kirkuk, Iraq
An alleged strike by Coalition aircraft reportedly killed 18 civilians and injured a further 10, according to a single source. Al Gharbiya claimed that a number of villages south west of Hawija were hit. "About 30 civilians were killed and wounded on Wednesday in a bombardment by an international warplane in several areas of the…

Summary

Published
1 July 2015
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
18
Civilians reported injured
10
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

30 June 2015

Incident Code

CS086

Location

سلوك, 20 km from Suluk, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian car was reported hit in a coalition airstrike 20km to the south of Suluk, killing those inside. The attack was described as occurring near Umm al Brameel, to the south east of Tal Abyad. Among the dead was a child named as Mohmmad Ali Ahmad Al Assaf.  

Summary

Published
30 June 2015
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

29 June 2015

Incident Code

CI079

Location

حديثة, Haditha, Al Anbar, Iraq
In a previously unknown case, CENTCOM reported on January 15th 2015 that US aircraft injured or possbily killed two or more civilians after an attack on an ISIL tactical unit and vehicles: According to the statement: “On June 29, 2015, near Haditha, Iraq, during strikes against one ISIL tactical unit and two ISIL vehicles, it…

Summary

Published
29 June 2015
Civilians reported killed
0–2
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

28 June 2015

Incident Code

CI078

Location

يت, Hit, al Bakir, Al Anbar, Iraq
A reported coalition airstrike on a Daesh/ ISIL checkpoint also allegedly killed seven non-combatants, according to a single source. According to al Sharqiyah the civilians were caught up in the attack after being held at the checkpoint for an inspection.  

Summary

Published
28 June 2015
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident Date

26 June 2015

Incident Code

CS085

Location

ميادين, Road between Shadadi and Deir Ezzor (Road 7), Deir Ezzor, Syria
A civilian non-combatant was reported killed in a Coalition bombing on the road linking Shadadi with Deir az Zawr. The victim came from the town of Mayadeen.  

Summary

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