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

8,222 – 13,299

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 2,985 separate alleged incidents.

1,725 – 2,367
children likely killed
1,123 – 1,464
women likely killed
5,906
likely injured
3,760
named victims

U.S.-led Coalition estimate of civilian deaths

1,454

Confirmed civilian deaths, from U.S.-led Coalition actions in Iraq and Syria, originating from 360 separate incidents of civilian harm.

402
civilians confirmed injured
Alleged deaths
19,184 – 29,766
Locally reported civilian deaths from U.S.-led Coalition actions in Iraq and Syria.
2,985 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
8,222 – 13,299
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by U.S.-led Coalition
1,539 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
2,391 – 2,815
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
434 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
7,870 – 12,564
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
778 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
696 – 1,083
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
233 seperate alleged incidents

Civilian Casualty Incidents — U.S.-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Start Date

End Date

Strike Type

Causes of Death / Injury

Strike Status

Civilian Harm Status

Belligerent Assessment

Casualty

Infrastructure

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2983 incidents
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Incident DatePublication Date
23 May 2017

Incident Code

CI730

Location

حي الزنجيلي, Mosul, Zanjili, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of six civilians in an event near Mosul. Their July 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a strike on an ISIS VBIED, it was assessed that six civilians were unintentionally killed when they entered the target area after the munition was…

Summary

Published
23 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
6
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident
23 May 2017

Incident Code

CS850

Location

حي الدرعية, Al Dar’iya, Raqqa, Syria
The Smart News Agency reported that a member of IS and his wife were killed and four other civilians wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a building in the Al Dar’iya neighbourhood of Raqqa. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

Published
23 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident
23 May 2017

Incident Code

CS851

Location

كديران, Kdeiran, Raqqa, Syria
Four civilians died and three more were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Kdeiran village, according to the Smart News Agency. Step News Agency and 24Raqqa said that the Coaliton carried out raids in the vicinity, but didn’t mention civilian casualties. In April 2019 the Coalition announced that it had classed this allegation of…

Summary

Published
23 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
3
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident
23 May 2017

Incident Code

CS852

Location

البارودة, Al Barouda, Raqqa, Syria
Sixteen civilians including six children and seven women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Barounda village, according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS) – who blamed the Coalition – initially reported the death of three non-combatants. Step News Agency also put the death toll at three – however, a subsequent…

Summary

Published
23 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
16
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident
22 May 2017

Incident Code

CI728

Location

حي النجار, Mosul, Al-Najjar, Nineveh, Iraq
Sources said that an entire family was killed after airstrikes had hit their house in Najjar neighbourhood, in West Mosul. At the time of the attack Sawlf Ateka – a local Facebook group – called for help in a post: “The bombing of the house of Fayez Nazem Mohammed Anis Shandala since yesterday in the neighborhood…

Summary

Published
22 May 2017
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident
22 May 2017

Incident Code

CS849

Location

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria
At least two children and one woman were reportedly killed and 13 civilians were injured in alleged Coalition strikes in Al Mayadeen city in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, according to local media. Sharqiya Voice reported that the children were from the A’Llash family living in Al Arba’een Street (40th Street) and all nine…

Summary

Published
22 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
13
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident