Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

R4459

Incident date

August 15, 2022

Location

بلدة قسطون جنوبي ,ادلب, Qastoun, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

An eleven year old boy called Abdul-Wahhab Ibn Hassan Al-Hanawi was reportedly killed as a result of the remnants of a cluster bomb in the town of Qastoun, west of Hama on the August 15th 2022. According to the Syrian Civil Defense, the killing of Abdul-Wahab marks the second death through unexploded remnants within three days in the countryside of Idlib.

The remnants were reportedly as a result of Russian or Syrian regime incidents in the past.

While some reports state that Abdul-Wahhab was playing in front of his house in the town of Qastoun when the explosion occurred, other sources report that the boy was searching for scraps to sell near his family village.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Wahab Hinnawi
11 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3887

Incident date

July 10, 2019

Location

مورك, Morek, Hama, Syria

Airwars assessment

A civilian was wounded by alleged Russian or Syrian regime artillery shelling on the  city of Mourek in northern Hama, according to local sources.

@liongeneral19, a pro regime source tweeted, “Artillery men are raining terrorist positions now in Morek, Tal Malah, Ar-Arbaeen, al-Jibbe, Al-Jaysat, and Tal Al-Sakhar in the northern and northwestern Hama countryside.”

However, @MahmodHamway tweeted “A civilian was wounded by artillery shelling of the Russian camp, west of the town of Maaradis, on the outskirts of the city of Morek in the northern Hama countryside.”

No other details are known at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS483b

Incident date

January 8, 2022

Location

Koltepe village, Aleppo, Syria

Airwars assessment

One civilian was injured in alleged Turkish airstrikes or drone strikes on Koltepe village and the surrounding villages on January 8, 2022.

According to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, in total one civilian was killed and 12 other civilians, including women and children, were wounded in incidents across Kobani. The injuries varied in severity and were taken to Kobani hospital for treatment.

Hawar News reported the name of the civilian injured in Koltepe village: Jihan Mulla Osman Saleh (25 years old), Koltepe village.

The villages that were affected by the Turkish bombing were the villages of Tal Hajib, Qarmog, Goran, Khani, Sarzuri and Koltepe, located east of Kobani on the border with Turkey.

The General Council of the Democratic Union Party issued a written statement: “In a new test for the international community and the United Nations, the Turkish regime violated international principles and laws and targeted civilians in the center of Kobani city this morning, Saturday, with (drones) and heavy weapons, and its indiscriminate bombing resulted in martyrs and wounded civilians and extensive damage to their property.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members

The victims were named as:

Jihan Mulla Osman Saleh
25 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • The villages of Qere Mox, Khani, Tel Hajjab and Alishar in eastern Kobani canton on the border with Turkey were being bombed on January 8, 2022. (Image posted by Hawar News)
  • The villages of Qere Mox, Khani, Tel Hajjab and Alishar in eastern Kobani canton on the border with Turkey were being bombed on January 8, 2022. (Image posted by Hawar News)
  • The villages of Qere Mox, Khani, Tel Hajjab and Alishar in eastern Kobani canton on the border with Turkey were being bombed on January 8, 2022. (Image posted by Hawar News)
  • Damage from alleged Turkish shelling on January 8, 2022. (Image posted by Kassioun)
  • Damage from alleged Turkish shelling on January 8, 2022. (Image posted by Kassioun)

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC086

Incident date

August 31, 2018

Location

Tripoli: Al Wadan hotel, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.893428, 13.190984 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were reported injured from indiscriminate artillery shelling on the Al Wadan hotel in Tripoli.

Sky News reported: “A hotel in the centre of Tripoli was bombed indiscriminately, injuring at least three people amid fighting between rival militias aspiring to take power in the Libyan capital.

The rocket hit the fourth floor of the Wadan Hotel, 100 meters from the Italian Embassy.

The missile also caused heavy damage inside and outside the hotel, forcing the evacuation.”

Alwasat published a similar report: “Ambulances rushed to the Wadan Hotel in the centre of Tripoli on Saturday after being subjected to indiscriminate bombardment in the ongoing clashes in the capital since Sunday.”

Local sources reported clashes between GNA-affiliated militias and the 7th Brigade at the time of the incident.

The incident occured at 05:50:00 local time.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Images of the impact of the shelling on Al Wadan hotel.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Wadan Hotel being struck, for which the generic coordinates are: 32.893428, 13.190984. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

7th Brigade Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    7th Brigade
  • 7th Brigade position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

YS156

Incident date

November 13, 2022

Location

مقطع حجر كبير, Maqtaa Hajar Kabir, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.412241, 37.838813 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two young men were killed when a mine allegedly planted by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) exploded in the village of Maqtaa Hajar Kabir on November 13, 2022.

According to @nahermedia, two young men named Hassan Al-Junaid and Hamid Ibrahim Al-Dheeb were killed by remnants of a mine that exploded in the village of Maqtaa Hajar Kabir. Shaam News added that the two men were in agricultural land when they were killed while they were on their way to the al-Tayha crossing near the village.

Zaman Al Wasl pointed out that the village of Maqtaa Hajar Kabir is under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) while Nedaa Post reported that the landmine had been planted by the SDF.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hassan Al-Junaid حسن الجنيد
Age unknown male killed
Hamid Ibrahim Al-Dheeb حميد إبراهيم الذيب
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Hassan Al-Junaid and Hamid Ibrahim Al-Dheeb, killed by a mine explosion in the village of Maqtaa Hajar Kabir on November 13, 2022. (Image posted by @nahermedia)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Maqtaa Hajar Kabir (مقطع حجر كبير), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.412241, 37.838813. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

YPG Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    YPG
  • YPG position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    YPG

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ048

Incident date

June 18, 2017

Location

بنغازي‎, Sabri, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.136111, 20.078889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported almost 30 new air raids on Benghazi by LNA forces, mostly centred near the Sabri and fish market areas.

There were no known public reports of civilian harm at the time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM052

Incident date

May 9–10, 2016

Location

Tortoroow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

2.25045, 44.69117 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Kenyan and Somali forces, and their US advisors, carried out a raid on an al Shabaab checkpoint in Toratorow. The US carried out an airstrike during the operation – though initially denied doing so.

Media reports said helicopters were involved, indicating that both US air and ground forces were participating. However a US spokesperson denied US air assets were deployed, telling the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in an email: “In the early morning hours of May 10, Kenyan Defense Forces and Somali National Army forces conducted a joint raid on an al Shabaab taxation checkpoint in Toratorow, with US forces participating in an advise and assist role. This was not a US-led nor was it a US-unilateral operation – US personnel did not participate in any kinetic operations.”

Yet just weeks later, AFRICOM noted in a public press release that “U.S. forces supporting the Federal Government of Somalia, the Somali National Army and troop contributing nations to the African Union Mission in Somalia, provided defensive fires on four occasions in May, to protect U.S., SNA and AMISOM troops from imminent threats posed by the terrorist group al-Shabaab…. Other similar actions were undertaken on three other occasions in May, including one on May 9 and two on May 12.  These defensive fire missions all took place in remote locations in Somalia under al-Shabaab control, which are currently the focus of a Somali and AMISOM-led campaign to regain control of territory for the Somali Federal Government, and to disrupt al-Shabaab’s ability to freely plan and carry out attacks.”

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attackers
    US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces, Somali Military Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike targeted an Al Shabaab checkpoint in the village Tortoroow. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location of this checkpoint. The coordinates for the village Tortoroow are: 2.25045, 44.69117.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. forces supporting the Federal Government of Somalia, the Somali National Army and troop contributing nations to the African Union Mission in Somalia, provided defensive fires on four occasions in May, to protect U.S., SNA and AMISOM troops from imminent threats posed by the terrorist group al-Shabaab.

The most recent event was on the evening of May 13, 2016, when the U.S. provided defensive fires in Southern Somalia against nine al-Shabaab combatants, killing three. The operation was conducted after it was assessed that the terrorists were planning and preparing to conduct an imminent attack against U.S. forces.

Other similar actions were undertaken on three other occasions in May, including one on May 9 and two on May 12. These defensive fire missions all took place in remote locations in Somalia under al-Shabaab control, which are currently the focus of a Somali and AMISOM-led campaign to regain control of territory for the Somali Federal Government, and to disrupt al-Shabaab’s ability to freely plan and carry out attacks.

U.S. forces are working closely with partner forces to combat al-Shabaab in Somalia. Al-Shabaab has pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and continues to use its safe havens throughout Somalia to plot attacks against U.S. citizens and interests in East Africa, as well as against our international partners in the region.

The U.S. is committed to supporting Somali and regional forces as they combat al-Shabaab and work to bring stability to the region.

Kenyan Military Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Kenyan Military Forces
  • Kenyan Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Somali Military Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Somali Military Forces
  • Somali Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attackers
    US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces, Somali Military Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RUK005

Incident date

February 25, 2022

Location

Державний біотехнологічний університет, State Biotechnical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Geolocation

50.041320, 36.194789 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On February 25th 2022, two civilians were wounded near the State Biotechnical University in Lozovenki when an alleged Russian shell hit a passing car.

According to local sources, all of the students and employees were in a shelter and were not injured.

This assessment has reference to ACLED code UKR53878.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • 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
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck in the vicinity of the Lozovinka campus of the State Biotechnical University (Державний біотехнологічний університет), for which the generic coordinates are: 50.041320, 36.194789. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • 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
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]