Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

September 16, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-166

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

Several civilians were allegedly killed by Rebel forces shelling on Sirte. A UN report stated: “Thuwar forces used Grad rockets, artillery shells and RPGs, as well as small and medium calibre weapons in their assault on Sirte. They launched barrages of Grad rockets hitting residential areas like Area 1, Hay al-Dollar, and Montaza. Residents told

Summary

First published
September 16, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan rebel forces
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-143

LOCATION

كوبرى الهضبة الشرقية , Eastern Hill Bridge, Tarabulus, Libya

Between 60 and 72 people were killed near the Eastern Hill Bridge on a highway in Tripoli by Gaddafi forces on August 21, 2011 according to multiple posts and videos, including Gharyan Radio and Libyan People Youtube. A video posted by Wasat Al Bilad shows multiple men with guns blocking a road and interacting with

Summary

First published
August 21, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
60 – 72
(2 men)
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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM186

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM reported that the previous day it had “conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab fighters in the vicinity of Gandarshe, Lower Shebelle Region, Somalia, on February 1, 2019.” It added that “at this time, it was assessed no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.” However, AFRICOM claimed that the strike had “killed 13 militants.” According

Summary

First published
February 1, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
13
View Incident

Incident date

February 25, 2017

Incident Code

CI485

LOCATION

Mosul, al Mamun, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on April 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment civilian harm claims “near Mosul, Iraq” via a media report. According to the Coalition report, “10. Feb. 25, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via media report: After a review of available information and strike video it

Summary

First published
February 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-014

LOCATION

نادي الحيا, Nadi Al Hiyat Football Ground, Misrata, Libya

On February 19th, 2011, four protestors were shot by Gaddafi security forces, and between three to five other protestors were injured in Misrata. Amnesty and Wiki News confirmed the casualties. Among the victims were Khaled Abu Shahma, a 42 year old firefighter and father of seven, Ali Hussein al-Dweik, a 43 year old journalist, and

Summary

First published
February 19, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
3–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 22, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM226

LOCATION

Golis Mountains, Noogal, Somalia

The US military carried out an airstrike targeting alleged ISIS-Somalia terrorists in the Golis Mountains, according to a press release issued by US Africa Command. The strike killed two fighters from ISIS-Somalia it was asserted, with AFRICOM currently assessing that no civilians had been harmed. “This is the fifth precision airstrike against ISIS-Somalia since April

Summary

First published
May 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
ISIS - Somalia
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2020

Incident Code

TI038C

LOCATION

آناه, Anah, Erbil, Syria

Rudaw.net reported that a civilian was killed in alleged Turkish shelling on the village of Anah in Hajj Omran in Erbil on June 19th, 2020. The source said that “the Turkish shelling targeted the village of Anah in Hajj Omran in the district of Joman in the governorate of Erbil, killing a shepherd, bringing the number

Summary

First published
June 19, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS560

LOCATION

near Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In an event previously unknown to Airwars, the Coalition said that no civilians were harmed near Raqqa on March 9th. In its July 2017 casualty report the Coalition stated: “After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographic area that correspond to the report of civilian

Summary

First published
March 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2021

Incident Code

R4311

LOCATION

ابلين, Ebleen, Idlib, Syria

Between six and 13 civilians, including a woman and two children, were killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes and artillery strikes on the town of Ebleen on June 10, 2021. According to Euphrates Post, “the Assad regime forces bombed with missiles and heavy artillery the town of “Iblin” in Idlib

Summary

First published
June 10, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 13
(2 children1 woman5 men)
Civilians reported injured
13–15
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
21 named, 2 families identified
Belligerents reported killed
3–5
View Incident

Incident date

April 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS3393

LOCATION

مناطق متعددة في أدلب, Various locations Idlib: (Kafar Nubl and Sofhan and Al Bara and Mhambel and Dere Senbel and Al Fatyra in the southern countryside and villages of Ashtarbq and Haloz and Al Ghassania and Kafar Yadin and Mara’nd), Idlib, Syria

Women and children were injured in numerous airstrikes across Idlib province, local media reported. A mosque and several school in the town of Al-Barah were hit by rockets, according to activists, in addition to similar raids on the nearby villages of Yasnulq, Safohan and Deir Snil. In Kernabal, a raid on a popular market injured

Summary

First published
April 5, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2017

Incident Code

CI539

LOCATION

Mosul, Mosul al-Jadid / New Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on November 30th 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment of civilian harm claims “near al Jadida, Iraq”. According to the Coalition report, “March 13, 2017, near al Jadida, Iraq: After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is

Summary

First published
March 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 11, 2021

Incident Code

R4339

LOCATION

مرعيان, Marayan, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians, a man and a child, were injured in alleged Russian or regime artillery strikes on the town of Marayan on July 11, 2021. Syrian Civil Defense reported that “a man and his son were injured by similar shelling on the village of Mara’an”. Macro Media Center verified that the son that

Summary

First published
July 11, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 10, 2017

Incident Code

RS1959

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

A single source reported that “Russian planes launched several raids targeting Akeirbat in eastern Hama countryside which led to several injuries.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
March 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2021

Incident Code

R4345

LOCATION

سرجة, Sarja, Idlib, Syria

At least three civilians, including a White Helmet and elderly woman, were killed and two others, both White Helmets, were injured in alleged Russian or regime strikes on the village of Sarja on July 17, 2021. Syrian Today reported that “three volunteers from the Civil Defense were hit by laser-guided Krassenpol shells while trying to

Summary

First published
July 17, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 11, 2021

Incident Code

M21ISPT012

LOCATION

ارض زراعية جنوب غربي دير البلح, Farmland, southwestern Deir Al Balah, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Two civilians were killed and another was injured in alleged Israeli drone strike on farmland west of Deir al-Balah on May 11th 2021. WAFA News reported that “the occupation planes targeted a group of citizens west of Deir al-Balah, which led to the death of a citizen and the serious injury of another.” However, Al

Summary

First published
May 11, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Israeli Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2021

Incident Code

M21ISPT002

LOCATION

تلة الكاشف, Al Kashef Hill, North Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Muhammad Saber Suleiman, a 15-year-old boy, and his father, Saber Ibrahim Suleiman, were killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike in Jabalia, northern Gaza on May 10th 2021, according to local reports. Saber Ibrahim Suleiman, 38, was reportedly a commander in the Izz ad-Din Al-Qassam brigades, according to the Defense for Children International Palestine report. This

Summary

First published
May 10, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 children)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Israeli Military
Suspected target
Palestinian Forces
Belligerents reported killed
1–2
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2098

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zita, Hama, Syria

Two children were wounded in an airstrike in Kafr Zita, according to local media sources – though it was not clear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Whilst most sources attribute responsibility to Russia, a tweet from @B.Alhamwi, stated that “Assad’s gangs” had struck Kafr Zita and wounded two children.  Activists who spoke

Summary

First published
April 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Incident Code

M21ISPT078

LOCATION

المغازي, Al Maghazi, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

A girl with disabilities was injured following an airstrike in the central section of the Gaza Strip around 11.50 p.m. on Saturday 15th May 2021. One source, a Palestinian journalist, was alone in reporting that three others were also injured in the strike. According to Al Haq, the child, named as Zeina Shady al-Saftawi fell

Summary

First published
May 15, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Cause of injury / death
Accidents related to conflict
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Israeli Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 18, 2021

Incident Code

M21ISPT103

LOCATION

الزيتون, Al Zeitoun, Gaza, the Gaza Strip

One young man was killed, and at least 10 other people were injured in an alleged Israeli strike on the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, south of Gaza City on May 18th 2021, according to local reports. Sources differ as to whether the strike was the result of shelling or an airstrike. The Palestinian media outlet, Shehab, said

Summary

First published
May 18, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
Israeli Military
Known target
Palestinian Forces
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

May 13, 2021

Incident Code

PALIS018

LOCATION

عسقلان, Ashkelon, Southern, Israel

Several rockets fired allegedly by Al-Qassam Brigades hit the Israeli city of Ashkelon, according to multiple sources, injuring at least two civilians. One rocket directly hit and penetrated the lower floors of a seven story building. An unnamed adult male victim, reported by different sources to be either 57 or 60, was seriously injured in

Summary

First published
May 13, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
Palestinian Militants
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2018

Incident Code

RS3300

LOCATION

عربين, Arbin, Damascus, Syria

One or two civilians, including reportedly a child, were killed in airstrikes on the city of Arbin, Damascus governorate, on March 18th 2018, as reported by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. @SYR_REV_NEWS reported that shelling with rocket launchers on residential areas of the city killed one civilian and that dozens of civilians were wounded.

Summary

First published
March 18, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS696

LOCATION

البوكمال, near Abu Kamal, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Summary

First published
April 15, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
View Incident

Incident date

May 20, 2021

Incident Code

PALIS033

LOCATION

عسقلان, Ashkelon, Southern, Israel

A rocket fired by Al Qassam directly hit a home in Ashkelon, injuring two civilians and causing damage to the building and surrounding area. Al Qassam claimed responsibility for the attack in a Telegram post that stated at 12:59 “Al-Qassam Brigades bombard occupied Ashkelon with a missile launch” and added at 13:18 “The enemy admits that a [settler]

Summary

First published
May 20, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
Palestinian Militants
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2019

Incident Code

LC155

LOCATION

بمحور مطار طرابلس, Tripoli: Mitiga International Airport, Tarabulus, Libya

A single source reported that that a photographer was injured in “violent clashes” near Tripoli airport on June 20th. According to this source, the Libya Observer, “a photographer who works for the agency # France_press Hamza Turkiya was lightly injured while covering the violent clashes taking place today at the hub of Tripoli airport between

Summary

First published
June 20, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Libyan National Army, Government of National Accord
View Incident

Incident date

April 21, 2017

Incident Code

CS714

LOCATION

near Tabqah, Syria, Raqqa, Syria

Summary

First published
April 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2021

Incident Code

R4392

LOCATION

الكفير, Al Kafir, Idlib, Syria

A least one civilian, a child, was killed and up to five others, including a woman, were injured in alleged regime or Russian strikes on the town of Al Kafir on September 19, 2021. Firas Al-Khalifa, the media official of the Syrian Civil Defense in Idlib, told Al-Araby News that a 15-year-old boy was killed,

Summary

First published
September 19, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2018

Incident Code

RS3336

LOCATION

حرش الهبيط, Harsh Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

Civilians were possibly injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Harsh Al Habit, Idlib governorate, on March 26th, 2018, according to Shaam News Network. @IdlibPlus tweeted that “Russian warplanes targeted several raids on the outskirts of the town of Harsh Habit in the southern countryside of Idlib.” @HalabTodayTV’s correspondent also reported Russian airstrikes on

Summary

First published
March 26, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 25, 2021

Incident Code

TS477 CS1967

LOCATION

العدوانية, Al Adwania, Al Hassakah, Syria

Up to four men were killed in Coalition airstrikes or shootings with the alleged assistance of Turkish forces in the village of Al Adwania on October 25, 2021. One of the men, Abu Hamza Al-Shuhail, was identified as an arms dealer while sources were conflicted as to whether the other men were civilians or militants.

Summary

First published
October 25, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–3 men)
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
Turkish Military, US-led Coalition
Known targets
Assad regime, ISIS
Named victims
3 named
Belligerents reported killed
1–3
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2018

Incident Code

RS3355

LOCATION

مرج الزهور, Marj Al Zouhur, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime forces on Marj Al Zuhour in Idlib, Syria on March 31st, 2018, according to local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “Syrian regime warplanes fired a missile on Marj al Zuhour Primary School in Marj al Zuhour village in the

Summary

First published
March 31, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

CI678

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

In its July 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition reported that it could not assess the credibility of an NGO report indicating civilian casualties in the vicinity of Mosul. In the report, the Coalition wrote: “April 30, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via NGO report: The report contained insufficient information on the time, location and details

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident