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
19 May 2017

Incident Code

CI721

Location

حي النجار, Mosul, Al-Najjar, Nineveh, Iraq
Two local sources reported that an entire family was killed and another family was severely injured as a result of airstrikes on their houses in Najjar neighborhood, in West Mosul. Iraqyoon Agency reported that the entire family of Nashwan Salem was killed in airstrikes that hit their house near Saada area, in Najjar neighborhood. It…

Summary

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

Incident Code

CI722

Location

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq
Multiple local sources reported that dozens of civilians were killed or injured as a result of heavy airstrikes in Shifa neighborhood, in West Mosul. Yaqein said that the Coalition was responsible for the raids, and that they also led to the destruction of houses of civilians. Sawlf Ateka and Mosul Ista (two local Facebook groups)…

Summary

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

Incident Code

CI723

Location

المدينة القديمة, Mosul, Old City, Nineveh, Iraq
In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of a civilian in an event near Mosul. Their July 2017 civilian casualty report noted: "During a strike on an ISIS fighting position, it was assessed that one civilian was unintentionally killed when he entered the target area after the munition…

Summary

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

Incident Code

CI724

Location

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

Summary

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

Incident Code

CS839

Location

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria
According to the Euphrates Post, “the International Alliance targeted an oil tanker in the al Hazzam area in the city of Albuqmal and killed the driver immediately.” The Step News Agency and the Shaam News Network also put the death toll at one and blamed the Coalition.  

Summary

Published
19 May 2017
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
U.S.-led Coalition
View Incident
18 May 2017

Incident Code

CS835

Location

هنيدة, Hunaida, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian male died in an alleged Coalition airstrikes on Hunaida, according to local sources. According to Step News “The international coalition aircraft targeted the outskirts of Heneida town in the western Raqqa countryside with several air raids.” Reports said that he died when his home was struck. In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this…

Summary

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