Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr015

LOCATION

موجان, Mojan, Abyan, Yemen

Multiple sources reported that US forces were involved in a combined arms operation that took place at dawn on March 2nd 2017 in Mogan, al-Maraqisha directorate, Abyan governorate. The action was variously alleged to have included airstrikes, naval bombardment, and troop landings. Some sources claimed the operation was implemented in cooperation with Emirati special forces

Summary

First published
March 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike, Naval bombardment
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
4–26
Belligerents reported injured
2–24
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr016

LOCATION

حصن سعيد, Fort Saeed, Abyan, Yemen

Some sources reported that US forces were involved in a beach landing operation on Nakheela beach, on the al-Maraqisha coast, Abyan governorate, in the region of or near the village of Mogan, at dawn on March 2nd 2017.  This raid allegedly took place in tandem with a reported combined arms operation, with which the US

Summary

First published
March 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike, Naval bombardment
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr006-C

LOCATION

الغيل, al Ghayil, Yakla, Al Bayda, Yemen

At least 15 civilians, including at least 10 children and four women, were reportedly killed in a US Navy special forces operation in al-Ghayil village, Yakla region of Bayda province – though the reported civilian toll varied considerably. The US military has to date conceded 12 deaths. A force of US Navy SEALs engaged in

Summary

First published
January 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 56
(10–15 children4–10 women1–8 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–7
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
32 named, 5 families identified
Belligerents reported killed
4–42
Belligerents reported injured
3–6
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM065

LOCATION

Caba, Lower Juba, Somalia

The US reported in a press release published on September 27th that it had conducted a “self-defence strike” in Caba near Kismayo the previous day, killing four al Shabaab fighters . The press release said that a group of armed al Shabaab fighters attacked the Somali force and their US advisors. The Somali forces returned

Summary

First published
September 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
4–5
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM062

LOCATION

Tortoroow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US reported two days after the event that it had conducted two “self-defence strikes” on September 5th against al Shabaab, killing four militants. According to an AFRICOM press release, the strikes hit near Tortoroow and were conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia after a Somali-led counter-terrorism operation came under attack. Garowe

Summary

First published
September 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM063

LOCATION

Tortoroow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US reported two days after the event that it had conducted two “self-defence strikes” on September 5th against al Shabaab, killing four militants in total. According to an AFRICOM press release, the strikes hit near Tortoroow and were conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia after a Somali-led counter-terrorism operation came under

Summary

First published
September 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM060

LOCATION

Saakow, Middle Juba, Somalia

US forces helped Somali commandos in an operation in southern Somalia that killed several members of al Shabaab, a Pentagon official said on August 16th. The operation took place on August 10th. Somali forces approached an al Shabaab checkpoint. The terrorists reportedly opened fire and a gun battle ensued. “US advisers accompanied the Somali-led force,

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM056

LOCATION

Farwamo, near Bulogadud, Lower Juba, Somalia

Up to 16 al Shabaab fighters died in an operation reportedly carried out by Somali forces with US support, multiple sources said. The US claimed at the time that at the time that Somali forces alone were responsible for the kinetic actions. However, a FOIA response obtained in 2019 confirmed that the US had in

Summary

First published
May 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
16
View Incident

Incident date

May 12, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM053

LOCATION

Sabiid, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A US air strike reportedly killed five people – all of them said to be al Shabaab fighters. The attack was defensive and conducted to protect African troops on the ground, an Africom spokesperson told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. The Ugandan soldiers, part of the African Union peacekeeping force Amisom, were attacking a makeshift

Summary

First published
May 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

April 2, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM049

LOCATION

Lower Juba, Somalia

This was the second of two strikes confirmed by the Pentagon on April 4th 2016. The attack was a “self-defence air strikes against al Shabaab fighters who posed imminent threats to US and partner nation forces in Somalia,” Department of Defense spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Michelle Baldanza told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. Earlier on April 4th,

Summary

First published
April 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
6
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM048-C

LOCATION

Buufow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

At least four and up to 23 al Shabaab fighters were reported killed in a US airstrike at Buufow, near Janaaale. However more than three years later, one civilian fatality was also alleged. Two US actions on April 1st and April 2nd were later said to be “self-defence air strikes against al Shabaab fighters who

Summary

First published
April 1, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Suspected belligerents
Amisom Military Forces, Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
4–23
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM046

LOCATION

Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

At least 19 alleged militants were killed in a joint operation between US and Somali forces in the village of Awdhegle. US attack helicopters supported US and Somali Special Forces who attacked an al Shabaab target in southern Somalia, the Pentagon and Somali officials said. The assault took place overnight. The soldiers flew on US

Summary

First published
March 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Suspected belligerent
Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
19
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2015

Incident Code

CS119

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

A six-months pregnant woman named as Ghafran Al Jabli was reported killed in an event at Al Bab along with her 10-year old nephew, Mohammad Al Waki. Syrian Martyrs reported that the deaths were caused by a Coalition strike on the outskirts of the city. However VDC described the cause of death as shooting, while

Summary

First published
August 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 5, 2013

Incident Code

USSOM027

LOCATION

Baraawe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

At least one and as many as seven al Shabaab militants were killed in a naval raid carried out by US forces in Barawe, Lower Shabelle, international media reported. There were no reports of civilian harm. It was not at first clear who was the target of the raid. Reports varied from an unnamed Chechen;

Summary

First published
October 5, 2013
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1–7
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2013

Incident Code

SOM016a-1

LOCATION

Bulo Marer, Somalia

French commandos failed to a rescue a French spy held hostage by al Shabaab since 2009. Paris claimed the militants executed the captured secret service agent, known by his alias Denis Allex, during an assault by 50 Special Forces troops. However al Shabaab’s media wing said the hostage survived. Seventeen alleged militants were reportedly killed

Summary

First published
January 12, 2013
Last updated
May 31, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(2 children2 women3 men)
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
French Military
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
7 named, 2 families identified
Belligerents reported killed
17
View Incident

Incident date

May 20, 2012

Incident Code

YEMYEM006

LOCATION

جعار, Ja'ar, Abyan, Yemen

A factory reportedly used by Al Qaeda for weapon storage to the north of Jaar was targeted in an alleged Yemeni airstrike as fighting in the city continued, sources reported, adding that up to 14 Al Qaeda militants were killed in the battle, with between nine and 13 killed by the airstrike, on May 20,

Summary

First published
May 20, 2012
Last updated
September 6, 2023
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Suspected belligerent
Yemeni Air Force
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
9–13
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2012

Incident Code

SOM016-1

LOCATION

Near Haradheere, Somalia

The European Union (EU) launched attack helicopter and “maritime aircraft” strikes on an alleged pirate base near Haradheere. Stating that there had been no EU “boots on the ground”, reports indicated that helicopters from the EU’s Naval Force (NAVFOR) had destroyed nine speedboats, an arms dump and fuel supplies in a night-time raid. Bile Hussein,

Summary

First published
May 15, 2012
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
EU Military
Suspected target
Other
View Incident

Incident date

December 14, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-217

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli, Tarabulus, Libya

One man was killed in Tripoli by rebel forces after the rebels tried to confiscate his car and he refused. According to UN Report Source Page 82, the rebels had approached a member of the Tripoli brigade to try to confiscate their car, claiming it was government property, but left after negotiations without the car.

Summary

First published
December 14, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-216

LOCATION

تاورغاء, Tawergha, Misrata, Libya

One man died after being severely beaten while being held in custody by the Independence Brigade rebels in Tawrga’a on November 16, 2011 according to UN Report Source Page 82. According to another man that was detained with him and was released, the man was beaten until he lost consciousness for nearly two days. He

Summary

First published
November 16, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-206

LOCATION

تاجوراء, Tajoura, Tarabulus, Libya

At least one man died from injuries sustained during his detention in a rebel-controlled facility in mid-November 2011 in Tajoura according to the UN Report Source Page 82. A reported member of Gaddafi’s security agency was arrested at his father’s house on October 17, 2011 by rebels who did not have an arrest warrant and

Summary

First published
November 15, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-215

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

Between three and five men were killed in Sirte on November 13, 2011 when they were executed by rebels. A video posted by Echorouk Online on YouTube shows the bodied of at least three dead men and many others with weapons surrounding them.

Summary

First published
November 13, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(3–5 men)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-213

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

One man died after being severely beaten while being held in custody by the Independence Brigade rebels in Tawrga’a on November 2, 2011 according to UN Report Source Page 82. A former Qadhafi soldier died on November 2, 2011 after being transferred to a hospital in Misrata. An initial autopsy report obtained by the victim’s

Summary

First published
November 2, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

October 25, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-209

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli, Tarabulus, Libya

Two men died on October 25, 2011 after being detained in rebel custody in Tripoli on October 25, 2011 according to the UN Report Source Page 81. One man, a member of Gaddafi’s security forces, was arrested by the rebels on September 11, 2011 and held in the former Internal Security Agency building in central

Summary

First published
October 25, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-207

LOCATION

بني وليد, Bani Walid, Misrata, Libya

A young man from Bani Walid was killed by Al-Zawiyah rebels on October 17, 2011 according to UN Report Source page 78. He was arrested by the Al-Zawiyah in front of his relatives and they were assured he would be released soon but shortly after, they heard gunshots and he was found in a hospital

Summary

First published
October 17, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-205

LOCATION

سرت, Sirte, Surt, Libya

On October 12th, 2011, five dead and 44 injured were admitted to the Misurata hospital. A single source reported that the casualties were from the western Sirte front. No details were provided on the victims combatant status, It was also unclear which group had caused the injuries. Private Misurata Free reported that “the Misurata Hospital,

Summary

First published
October 12, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 5
Civilians reported injured
0–44
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Belligerents reported killed
0–5
Belligerents reported injured
0–44
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-204

LOCATION

سرت‎, Western Sirte, Surt, Libya

At least 42 civilians were killed near the western Sirte frontline and were found on October 12, 2011 according to Elaph. According to Anis Faraj, a witness who claimed he shared a cell with those that were found dead, about 47 men were being held in a cell and they were taken to Musassim Gaddafi,

Summary

First published
October 12, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
42
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

October 9, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-203

LOCATION

الزاوية‎, Zawiya, Al Zawiyah, Libya

At least two men died from injuries they sustained after being detained by rebel forces at Judayem detention centre and later died in Al Zawiyah Hospital on October 9, 2011 according to UN Report Source Page 81. Both men were arrested on September 17, 2011 in Al Zawiyah by rebel forces and taken to Judaism

Summary

First published
October 9, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-202

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

At least 17 people were killed, including one man who was a soldier in Qadhafi’s forces, in Sirte by rebel forces around October 6, 2011 according to the UN Report Source Page 78. A Tawerghan living in an IDP camp was a relative of the soldier killed and was told about his relative’s death by

Summary

First published
October 6, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-175

LOCATION

سرت, Sirte, Surt, Libya

At lease one female civilian was injured in Sirte when she was struck by a stray bullet in her home on September 22, 2011 according to a tweet from @libyaalahrartv.

Summary

First published
September 22, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-171

LOCATION

بني وليد, Bani Walid, Misrata, Libya

At least four people were killed by Gaddafi forces in Bani Walid on September 21, 2011 according to News.sar5t.libya and Al Jazeera. According to both sources, the four people were executed for raising the flag of independence.

Summary

First published
September 21, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident