Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure
text search
11041 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

USSOM276

Incident date

February 6, 2020

Location

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.494527, 42.777868 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An Al Shabaab facility was hit by a US airstrike near Jilib, according to AFRICOM.

The press statement, released two days later, asserted: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two (2) airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab terrorists and a compound in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, Feb. 6… Initial assessments conclude one (1) al-Shabaab facility was severely degraded, and two (2) al-Shabaab terrorists were wounded as a result of these two airstrikes. We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.”

Somali state media SONNA said that the strike took place within the city of Jilib, while Halgan claimed that the US had used an armed drone.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes on compounds in the vicinity of Jilib (جيليب) town, for which due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The coordinates for Jilib are: 0.494527, 42.777868

US Forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two (2) airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab terrorists and a compound in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, Feb. 6.

“Airstrikes are one way we help prevent al-Shabaab from building a safe haven to plan deadly attacks against the U.S. homeland and East African partners,” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Bradford Gering, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command.

Al-Shabaab is the most kinetically-active al-Qaida affiliate worldwide. Al-Shabaab’s network indiscriminately commits acts of violence and is responsible for the deaths of innocent Africans, Western allies, and American citizens.

Initial assessments conclude one (1) al-Shabaab facility was severely degraded, and two (2) al-Shabaab terrorists were wounded as a result of these two airstrikes.

We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States. In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali National Army forces.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4419

Incident date

February 6, 2020

Location

تفتناز, Taftanaz, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

One child was killed and four to five other civilians, including up to four children and a woman, were injured in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on the town of Taftanaz on the night of February 6th, 2020.

A tweet from @HalabTodayTV reported that a child was killed and his family was injured in airstrikes on the city of Taftanaz. @WM_FREESYR specified that the child that was killed was displaced and that his mother and brothers were injured when their home was struck.

A post from Kafarnabil on Facebook provided the name of the child killed: Hamza Ali Al-Khatib. Samoo.ghazal posted on Facebook the names of those injured: Mother Khitam Muhammad Al-Khatib (Al-Dadoush); and her children Abdul Wahab Ali Al-Khatib; Muhammad Ali Al-Khatib; Ahmed Ali Al-Khatib; Rasha Ali Khatib.

@Step_Agency put the number of people injured at four, also identifying them as being from one family while @baladinetwork reported that five people were injured. A Facebook post by Wasim Alkhalf reported that the family was displaced from the city of Kafranbel.

The majority of sources attributed the strikes to regime planes. However, SMART News and @ShahbaPress blamed Russia while @abmualsu identified Russia and the regime as responsible.

The incident occured at 00:57:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Hamza Ali Al-Khatib حمزة علي الخطيب
Child male killed
Khitam Muhammad Al-Khatib (Al-Dadoush) ختام محمد الخطيب(الدعدوش
Adult female injured
Abdul Wahab Ali Al-Khatib عبد الوهاب علي الخطيب
injured
Muhammad Ali Al-Khatib محمد علي الخطيب
injured
Ahmed Ali Al-Khatib أحمد علي الخطيب
injured
Rasha Ali Khatib رشا علي الخطيب
injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–5
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The child "Hamza Ali Al-Khatib", killed in alleged Russian strikes on Taftanaz on February 6, 2020. (Image posted by Kafarnabil via Facebook)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–5
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM277

Incident date

February 6, 2020

Location

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.494527, 42.777868 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One Al Shabaab fighter was allegedly killed and two more injured by a US airstrike near Jilib.

AFRICOM confirmed conducting the strike two days later, one of a pair that day: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two (2) airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab terrorists and a compound in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, Feb. 6. Initial assessments conclude one (1) al-Shabaab facility was severely degraded, and two (2) al-Shabaab terrorists were wounded as a result of these two airstrikes. We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.”

Somali state media SONNA said that this strike – which it said occurred in the evening – took place within the city of Jilib. A second strike targeted al Shabaab fighters outside the town, it said.

Halqaran and Garowe also mentioned one dead and two injured.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • AFRICOM press release

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a strike in the vicinity of Jilib (جيليب) town, for which due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The coordinates for Jilib are: 0.494527, 42.777868

US Forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two (2) airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab terrorists and a compound in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, Feb. 6.

“Airstrikes are one way we help prevent al-Shabaab from building a safe haven to plan deadly attacks against the U.S. homeland and East African partners,” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Bradford Gering, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command.

Al-Shabaab is the most kinetically-active al-Qaida affiliate worldwide. Al-Shabaab’s network indiscriminately commits acts of violence and is responsible for the deaths of innocent Africans, Western allies, and American citizens.

Initial assessments conclude one (1) al-Shabaab facility was severely degraded, and two (2) al-Shabaab terrorists were wounded as a result of these two airstrikes.

We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States. In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali National Army forces.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4418

Incident date

February 6, 2020

Location

بلدات متعددة, Several Towns, Aleppo, Syria

Airwars assessment

On February 6th, 2020, several towns were reported bombed by airstrikes, with four reported dead and one woman injured.

Shaam Network reported that, “Russian and Assad warplanes launched dozens of airstrikes, accompanied by fierce artillery and missile shelling that targeted the areas of clashes, cities, towns, villages of Azaz, Huritan, Kafr Hamrah, Andan, Maarat Al-Ateeq, Kafr Alepp, Greater Awarm, Babis, Kafr Basin, Kafr Dael, Al-Rashideen Association, Khan Al-Asal, and Bashnata, which resulted in the fall of 4 martyrs in Urm Al Kubra. One lady in Hayyan, and many wounded, in the rest of the targeted areas.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (1) [ 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
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC291

Incident date

February 8, 2020

Location

الدبلوماسي, Adduplomasi, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.832547, 13.18911 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Ain Zara.

The Libya Observer wrote: “Three foreign workers were injured when a shell fired by Haftar’s militias hit their workplace in Ain Zara district, south of Tripoli, on Saturday evening, spokesman for the Ministry of Health, Fawzi Onis has confirmed.

Haftar’s militias continue to indiscriminately and deliberately target civilian population and facilities with alarming frequency, despite their formal commitment to the truce announced on January 12.”

Libya Alahrar TV and Tk Yahroug Kl shy also reported three African expats injured. Tk Yahroug Kl shy said several shells fell in the Al Diplomasi neighbourhood of Ain Zara.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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
    Libyan National Army

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Adduplomasi (الدبلوماسي), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.832547, 13.18911. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Adduplomasi (الدبلوماسي).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Libyan National Army Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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
    Libyan National Army

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4422

Incident date

February 8, 2020

Location

كفرنوران, Kafar Nouran, Aleppo, Syria

Airwars assessment

On Feburary 8th, two civilians were reported injured as a result of an airstrike in Kafr Nouran in Aleppo Governate. No information was reported on the identities of the injured, but multiple sources reported the injuries, as well as photographs of the aftermath.

@ShahbaPress reported that two civilians were injured and that civilians’ houses were destroyed as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Nouran in Aleppo on February 8th, 2020.

The Syrian Civil Defense said that “Two people were injured and residential homes destroyed  due to an airstrike by Russian aircraft targeting the town of Kfarnoran in the western countryside of Aleppo this morning, February 8th, 2020.”

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Destruction to civilians' homes after alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafrnuran in Aleppo on February 8th, 2020 (via @ShahbaPress).
  • Destruction to civilians' homes after alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafrnuran in Aleppo on February 8th, 2020 (via @ShahbaPress).
  • Destruction to civilians' homes after alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafrnuran in Aleppo on February 8th, 2020 (via @ShahbaPress).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian airstrike on Kafrnuran in Aleppo on February 8th, 2020 (via SCD Aleppo)
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian airstrike on Kafrnuran in Aleppo on February 8th, 2020 (via SCD Aleppo)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4427

Incident date

February 9, 2020

Location

بلدات متعددة, Several towns, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Alleged Russian and Syrian regime air and artillery strikes on several towns in Idlib have led to the death and injury of an unknown number of civilians on February 9th, 2020, according to Shaam News Network.

Shaam reported that “Russian and Assad’s air forces launched airstrikes targeting the outskirts of Idlib, Sarmin, the villages of Maarat Al Na’san, Marj Al Zuhur, and Ram Hamdan, and the city of Jisr Al Shughour and the towns of Badama and al-Hanboushieh were subjected to fierce artillery shelling, which resulted in martyrs and wounded civilians.”

Currently, further information is unavailable to Airwars. Due to limitations in sources, it is possible that the casualties have been reflected in other assessments.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (1) [ 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
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS4428

Incident date

February 9, 2020

Location

ابين سمعان, Abin Samaan, Aleppo, Syria

Airwars assessment

Up to twelve civilians, including two women and six children, were killed and up to twenty civilians injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Abin Samaan, Aleppo governorate, on the night of February 9th to February 10th, 2020, according to local sources. Edlib Media Center said that three of those killed belong to the same family, a father and his two daughters.

Numerous reports about the numbers of dead and wounded changed rapidly. Director of Media for Civil Defense, Ibrahim Al-Laith, told Smart News that nine people had died and at least thirteen were hurt, including five women and four children. Shaam News reported a total of twelve dead while both the Syrian Network for Human Rights and Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed nine deceased and over twenty wounded.

Omar Hallaq at Atarin Hospital reported having two dead and seven wounded brought to his hospital, while other victims were transported to other local medical centers. One name was released, and the victim was identified as Lujain Ramez Rashid. A complete list was released later the following day and the dead were identified as the following: Muhammad Mustafa Masoud, 50; Youssef Berro, a year and a half; Ola Masoud ; Muhammad Masoud ; Muhammad Hajj Hamdo; Tabarak Ghaly, 15 years ; Mrs. Fatima Dunya, 30; Abdul Rahman Khalasi, 30; Lujain Ramez Rashid. 

Civil Defense journalist Hamzah Taifousif noted that Russian warplanes specifically targeted the homes in the village of Abin Samaan.

Edlib Media Center reported the use of barrel bombs.

All sources blamed Russia for the airstrike, with the exception of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which pointed at the Syrian regime.

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Muhammad Mustafa Masoud
50 years old killed
Ola Masoud
killed
Muhammad Masoud
killed

The victims were named as:

Lujain Ramez Rashid
Child female killed
Youssef Berro
1.5 years old killed
Muhammad Hajj Hamdo
Age unknown killed
Tabarak Ghaly
15 years old killed
Mrs. Fatima Dunya
30 years old female killed
Abdul Rahman Khalasi
30 years old killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 12
  • (6 children2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13–20
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (10) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Man carrying the body of a baby girl after Russian airstrikes on the village of Abin Samaan, Aleppo governorate, on February 9th, 2020 (via MMC).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Killed man after alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Abin Samaan, Aleppo governorate, on February 9th, 2020 (via MMC).
  • Search operation after alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Abin Samaan, Aleppo governorate, on February 9th, 2020 (via MMC).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Abin Samaan in Aleppo on February 9th 2020 (via Etilaf).
  • Aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Abin Samaan in Aleppo on February 9th 2020 (via Etilaf).
  • A civilian injured as a result of alleged Russian or Syrian regime shelling on Abin Samaan in Aleppo on February 9th 2020 (via Etilaf).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A man under the rubble in the aftermath of alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Abin Samaan in Aleppo on February 9th 2020 (via Etilaf).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    "A child was killed as a result of missile strikes by Russian warplanes on the town of Abyan Samaan, noting that the child was displaced from the town of Qalaat Al-Madeek, Hama." (via SMART)
  • "Lujain Ramez Rashid, from Qal’et al Madiq in the western suburbs of Hama governorate, one of victims were killed in the massacre took place as fixed- wing warplanes we believe were Russian fired missiles on Ebeeb Sam’an village in the western suburbs of Aleppo governorate, on February 10th." (via SNHR)
  • SCD volunteers responding after an airstrike on Ebeen Sam’an village in the western suburbs of Aleppo governorate, on February 10th. (via SNHR)

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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 12
  • (6 children2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13–20
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime

Sources (13) [ collapse]