Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure
text search
11064 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

LC395

Incident date

May 14, 2020

Location

الشويرف, Ash Shwayrif, Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Geolocation

29.979613, 14.260209 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported killed in alleged Turkish drone attack on their car in Ash Shwayrif in Jabal al Gharbi in Libya on May 14th, according to local sources. The two men belong to the Mashashiya tribe.

Libya 24 said that “Activists on social media reported that two young men from the Mashashiya tribe from Al Kabbashi family were killed Thursday night, after a Turkish plane bombed their car near the town of Ash Shwayrif.”

The two victims were identified as Abdulaziz Ali Abu Al-Qasim Al Kabbashi Al-Mashay, and Al Mabrouk Hassan Al Kabbashi Al-Mashay.

Gharyan Al Hadath posted on Facebook that “two young men from the Mashashiya tribe of Al Kabbashi family – Muzdah moved to the mercy of God, after their car was bombed by Turkish drone on the outskirts of the city of Ash Shwayrif.”

The post continues “for information, the two men are civilians with no affiliation to armed forces.”

The incident occured around midnight.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Abdulaziz Ali Abu Al-Qasim Al Kabbashi Al-Mashay عبدالعزيز علي ابوالقاسم الكباشي المشاي
Age unknown male killed
Al Mabrouk Hassan Al Kabbashi Al-Mashay المبروك حسن الكباشي المشاي
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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 attackers
    Turkish Military, Government of National Accord
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ash Shwayrif (الشويرف), for which the generic coordinates are: 29.979613, 14.260209. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Government of National Accord Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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 attackers
    Turkish Military, Government of National Accord
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEM141-B

Incident date

January 4, 2013

Location

رداع, Rada'a, Bayda, Yemen

Geolocation

14.415088, 44.840937 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On January 3rd 2013, at least three Al Qaeda militants were allegedly killed by a US or Yemeni airstrike in a “mountainous area” near Rada’a. There are currently no known reports of civilian harm.

Among those who died was Muqbel Abbad Al Zobah, nicknamed Abu Shebab, the news source Akhbar Alyom reported. This was corroborated amongst others by Al Jazeera English, AFP, and Xinhua. He was said to have been a 35 years old man from a nearby village in the Qifah area. Local sources described Al Zobah as a leading Al Qaeda figure and according to AFP, he was the brother-in-law of Tareq al Dhahab “who led Al Qaeda fighters in a brief January 2012 raid on Rada’a” and was killed in February 2012. The second militant was Musaed al Zubairi, a 37 years old man from the Ma’rib governorate. He has been wanted by the Yemeni security services. While most sources reported that the third militant killed in the strike could not be identified, Twitter user @BaFana3 claimed on the day of the attack that Sahr Qaid Al Dhahab was among the dead.

The militants were hit travelling in their car in the Qifah district of Rada’a and were killed on the spot, Akhbar Alyom reported. A resident told Reuters that “the car […] was completely destroyed and their bodies were unrecognisable.”

The attack was the fifth strike to hit southern Yemen within ten days, The Times reported. The strikes were believed to have targeted Abdulraouf al Dahab, who was “instrumental in Al Qaeda’s takeover of Rada’a last year.”

The following day, Reuters reported that local tribesmen demonstrated in Rada’a against US drone strikes. One protester told the news agency that “seven innocent civilians” had been killed in the recently intensified air campaign. Another said: “If the [Yemeni] authorities don’t stop the American attacks then we will occupy the government institutions in the town.”

According to Reuters, a government official said that “the attack was by a Yemeni aircraft.” However, most local accounts of the incident made the US responsible for the raid. Residents suspected that the strike came from an unmanned aircraft. “We have noticed a drone flying over for the past few days,” they told Reuters.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Yemeni Air Force
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention that the strike targeted a vehicle in or near the town of Rada’a (رداع). One source reported that the strike took place in a mountainous area of the town, however, as Rada’a is surrounded by mountains, it could not be determined what area this refers to. The coordinates for the town of Rada’a (رداع) are: 14.415088, 44.840937. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the precise location of the strike.

  • The town Rada’a (رداع), surrounded by mountains

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

US Forces Assessment:

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

Yemeni Air Force Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Yemeni Air Force
  • Yemeni Air Force position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Yemeni Air Force
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEMTr185

Incident date

January 4, 2019

Location

ال ديمان, Al Dayman, Ma'rib, Yemen

Geolocation

14.99486, 45.50767 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A single source, Voice of America News, stated that a US airstrike had targeted AQAP militants in Al Dayman on January 4th 2019, according to a US defense official. There were no other known reports of a strike at that time, and no information was given on alleged casualties.

In a later press release, US Central Command declared that two strikes had been conducted in Yemen during January 2019. One targeted Jamal Al-Badawi on January 1st, while a second unspecified action took place in Bayda governorate.

Yemen monitor New America was later told by CENTCOM that the second action took place on January 21st in Bayda. It therefore remains possible that this was a CIA action.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Dayman (ال ديمان), for which the generic coordinates are: 14.99486, 45.50767. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEMTr147

Incident date

February 16–17, 2018

Location

ال حميقان, Al Humayqan, Bayda, Yemen

Geolocation

14.070845, 45.499519 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two alleged AQAP militants, including a leadership figure, were reportedly killed by a US drone strike in Al Zahir  Al Humayqan, Bayda governorate, at around midnight, overnight from February 16th-17th 2018.

A US Central Command spokesperson later told the the Long War Journal that a strike had taken place in Bayda governorate on February 16th. Since there were no other known reports of US strikes in the period, this event is treated as declared. There were no known associated reports of civilian harm.

A security official told AFP that two suspected AQAP members were targeted as they travelled on a motorcycle in the area. The official named those killed as “local commander Abu Hussein al-Theriya [and] Dawoud al-Sanaani”.

According to Xinhua however, a military official suggested that three militants had died in the strike, which targeted a small pick-up truck. Residents near the scene told Xinhua that “the commander’s body along with two of his companions [were] left incinerated inside the car”.

The incident occured around midnight.

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 Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–3

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports on the incident mention the village of  Al Humayqan ( ال حميقان) for which the generic coordinates are:  14.070845, 45.499519. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In a major move toward transparency, US Central Command (CENTCOM) provided details to FDD’s Long War Journal on US air strikes against Al Qaeda’s branch in Yemen. Since early 2017, the military previously provided little information on the Yemen air campaign, typically providing only an aggregate number and limited detail on high-value target strikes.
In an email to LWJ, CENTCOM’s Major Josh T. Jacques disclosed the dates and locations of the last five months of strikes in Yemen. The information revealed that since the beginning of 2018, the US campaign against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen has focused on three governorates: Hadramout (eight strikes), Al Bayda (17), and Shabwa (three), demonstrating the eastern reach of the terrorist group.
Last year’s publicized strikes were concentrated in the central governorates of Al Bayda and Marib.
Location of US air strikes against AQAP and the Islamic State in 2018:
– Jan. 2018: Ten total strikes. The US conducted 8 strikes against AQAP in Bayda on Jan. 1, 3, 9, 12, 13, 20, 25, and 29. An additional strike against AQAP in Shabwah occurred on Jan. 26. An additional strike against the Islamic State occurred on Jan. 12 in Bayda.
– Feb. 2018: Six total strikes, all in Al Bayda governorate. Strikes occurred on Feb. 7, 11, 12, 16, and 24 (two strikes were conducted on Feb. 24).
– Mar. 2018: Seven total strikes, six of which occurred in Hadramout. Strikes occurred on Mar. 4 (two strikes), 5, 7, 8, and 13. An additional strike in Bayda occurred on March 29. [AQAP’s apparent entrenchment in eastern Yemen is concerning. In addition to the concentration of strikes in Hadramout, CENTCOM previously disclosed that AQAP operated training camps in the governorate as recently as April 2018, when they were targeted by American strikes.]
– Apr. 2018: Four total strikes, one each in Shabwah (April 26) and Al Bayda (April 23), and two in Hadramout (both on April 11).
– May 2018: One strike, in Shabwah on May 14.
– Jun. 2018: No strikes to date.
The US military has stepped up its counterterrorism campaign against al Qaeda’s branch in Yemen as well as the Islamic State since President Trump took office in 2017. Last year, the US launched 131 strikes (125 against AQAP and six against the Islamic State), nearly tripling the previous yearly high of 44 strikes in 2016.
At the current pace, the US will fall far short of that mark; there have been 28 strikes reported by CENTCOM in Yemen in the first five months of 2018.
This counterterrorism campaign has targeted AQAP’s infrastructure, including its training camps and media operations, which serve as a hub for al Qaeda’s global communications. The US has killed several mid-level AQAP leaders and media officials in its air campaign.
Despite suffering setbacks after seizing large areas of southern and central Yemen between 2015-2016, AQAP remains a persistent threat to both the embattled Yemeni government and US interests worldwide. AQAP still controls remote rural areas in Yemen and operates training camps. The group’s master bomb maker, Ibrahim al Asiri, who has engineered several bombs which have evaded airport security, remains one of the most wanted jihadists on the planet.

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 Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–3

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEMTr209

Incident date

August 31, 2019

Location

عرقوب, Arqoub, Abyan, Yemen

Geolocation

13.468889, 45.763889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A few local language social-media sources suggested that US strikes, reportedly including a naval bombardment and at least one air strike, had targeted “terrorist groups”, possibly AQAP, in Arqoub in Abyan governorate, on August 31st 2019, killing “dozens”. Some suggested that the “terrorists” were amongst or affiliated with pro-government forces. There were no known associated reports of civilian harm.

Though a number of Twitter sources, such as @AAlzabli and @kamal_ALNumani, reported a naval bombardment, similarities in wording appeared to suggest that they were re-posts of a single source. Similarly, both sources that alleged a US airstrike, @nasseralgda and @maherhasan17, shared very similar wording. Since a number of differing sources suggested a US strike of some kind in the area, however, this event is presently assessed as likely.

The alleged strike came a few days after an Emirati air campaign in southern Yemen from August 28th-29th 2019, apparently in support of secessionist militias, which reportedly focused on Aden and the Abyan governorate. Late on August 29th, sources suggested that Emirati strikes were being conducted in the Arqoub area.

In a statement at the time, the Emirati foreign ministry said that its strikes had targeted “terrorist militias”, though others indicated that the actions were targeting the pro-government Yemeni military. AQAP militants have been previously reported to have fought alongside, and sometimes integrated into, Yemeni government forces. Given this, it is possible that the event reflects a late Emirati strike.

On October 4th 2019, a US Central Command spokesperson told New America that no US military strikes had been conducted in Yemen since June 24th 2019. It is, however, possible that an undeclared strike was conducted by the CIA, or was part of a clandestine US military action.

Given the description of “dozens” killed, minimum alleged militant deaths has been set at twenty-four.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Naval bombardment
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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
    US Forces, United Arab Emirates Military
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    24

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of the Arqoub (زنجبار‎) area, for which the generic coordinates are:13.468889, 45.763889. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

On October 4, 2019, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) replied to an email inquiry from New America confirming that “the last strike conducted by CENTCOM in Yemen was 24 June.” Per that statement, there were no CENTCOM strikes in Yemen in September 2019.

The lack of strikes in September makes it more than three months since the last U.S. military counterterrorism strike in Yemen, according to New America’s research. However, it is possible that the United States has conducted covert non-military strikes, and in recent years there have been a small number of strikes attributed by media reports to the United States that CENTCOM has denied conducting

United Arab Emirates Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    United Arab Emirates Military
  • United Arab Emirates Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Naval bombardment
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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
    US Forces, United Arab Emirates Military
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    24

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEM015-C

Incident date

May 9, 2011

Location

الميراب, al Mirab, Border Ta'izz/Ibb, Yemen

Geolocation

13.710239, 44.056858 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ali Alkhadr (14 years old) was injured by shrapnel from an alleged US air-strike on May 9th, 2011 near the village al-Mihrab.

Al-Akhbar reported on the incident stating that the shrapnel tore Alkhadr´s jaw open when he was returning from a family visit in al-Mihrab village. It was reported that Doctors without Borders provided 1 million Yemeni Riyal ($4,660) for reconstructive surgency, for the once studious teenager.

As a result of the attack Ali dropped out of school and his father claimed that he had to hospitalise his son because of a drug overdose, as he believes his son wanted to end his life, after Ali fell into depression. Furthermore the father was quoted as saying: “He refuses to see his classmates because he is disfigured. It’s been eight months and there is nothing I can do to help my son,” said the boy’s father. “He does not want to go to school and one time I hospitalized him because he overdosed on drugs. I believe he wanted to end his life, and it pains me to see that. I don’t know what to do,” he added.

The incident involving Ali was mentioned in an article about US involvement in Yemen, indicating that this incident was carried out by the US.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Alkhadr
14 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Mirab or Al Mihrab. Due to limited information available, we were unable to verify the coordinates, as several villages have the same or a similar name. There are three possible villages the reports are referring to. Their coordinates are: 13.73732, 43.72378; 14.04897, 44.13587 or 13.45457, 44.04858. The coordinates for a mid point between these villages are: 13.710239, 44.056858.

  • Imagery:
    © Google 2019

US Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI041

Incident date

June 25, 2020

Location

كونه ماسي , Kunamasi, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Geolocation

35.796455, 45.415773 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Additional Geolocations

35.796413, 45.412799 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

§§Five or six civilians were allegedly injured by a Turkish airstrike on Kunamasi.

Rebaz Majeed tweeted: “The Turkish drones hit a vehicle half an hour ago, belonging to PKK members, in Slemani Province’s Kuna Masi. They also hit a mini market belonging to a local family. 2 are dead and more than 5 are injured and there are children among them.”

Adem Uzun wrote: “2 killed and 6 wounded (2 women, 2 children and 2 men, all members of the same family).”

One of the injured, Payman Thalib Thaher, a mother of two, had one leg amputated while the other was broken.

Rudaw also reported six injured and one man killed of which the outlet could not say if he was a civilian or combatant.

Hana Çômanî said: “People who have been killed ,injured today in #kunamasi they weren’t #PKK they were civilians(3children 8 their mother ,also a woman who was working on her farm)”

Yousif al-Hashimi described the man killed as “armed”. Barzan Saqiq said at least four PKK fighters were killed in the event.

KirkukNow and Hedwih Kuijpers said it was drone strike.

The incident occured at approximately 5:40 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Payman Thalib Thaher
Adult female Her leg was amputated injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child allegedly injured by Turkish airstrike on Kunamasi on June 25th, 2020 (via Adem Uzun)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention strikes on a vehicle and a mini market in the village of Kunamasi (كونه ماسي). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, we were able to narrow down the location to the following coordinates: 35.796455, 45.415773 (the mini market) and 35.796413, 45.412799 (the vehicle).

{"type":"FeatureCollection","features":[{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"Mini Market","label-type":"black-white"},"geometry":{"type":"Point","coordinates":[45.413155,35.796455]}},{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"Vehicle","label-type":"black-white"},"geometry":{"type":"Point","coordinates":[45.412799,35.796413]}},{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"B","label-type":"white-red","stroke":"#ff0000","stroke-width":1,"stroke-opacity":1,"fill-opacity":0},"geometry":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[45.41337534785271,35.79674048848223],[45.41362076997757,35.79674048848223],[45.41362076997757,35.79697327005894],[45.41337534785271,35.79697327005894],[45.41337534785271,35.79674048848223]]]}},{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"A","label-type":"white-red","stroke":"#ff0000","stroke-width":1,"stroke-opacity":1,"fill-opacity":0},"geometry":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[45.41288316249847,35.79648268752892],[45.412983745336525,35.79648268752892],[45.412983745336525,35.79687210805564],[45.41288316249847,35.79687210805564],[45.41288316249847,35.79648268752892]]]}},{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"C","label-type":"white-red","stroke":"#ff0000","stroke-width":1,"stroke-opacity":1,"fill-opacity":0},"geometry":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[45.41390910744667,35.79681989535841],[45.414253771305084,35.79681989535841],[45.414253771305084,35.79699720083658],[45.41390910744667,35.79699720083658],[45.41390910744667,35.79681989535841]]]}}]}

  • Tagged visual material from sources

    Imagery:
    Kurdistan24

  • Tagged visual material from sources

    Imagery:
    Kurdistan24

  • Tagged visual material from sources

    Imagery:
    @Arahemn1

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
    5–6
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM311

Incident date

July 21, 2020

Location

Timirshe, Bari, Somalia

Geolocation

10.56245, 50.42396 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Seven ISIS fighters were killed by a US airsrtrike near Timirshe, according to AFRICOM.

The press release said: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia terrorists after they attacked partner forces in a remote location near Timirshe, Somalia, July 21. Timirshe is located 140 kilometers southeast of Bosasso.

At this time, it is assessed this airstrike killed seven (7) ISIS-Somalia terrorists.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.”

Radio Dalsan said eight ISIS members were killed and two vehicles destroyed.

The strike was conducted in support of the Puntland Security Forces, according to Real Clear Defense: “Local reporting has said that the PSF engaged in a multi-hour gunfight with the ISS militants, which led to the supporting U.S. airstrike.”

After an exchange on Twitter with Rita Katz, AFRICOM conceded that one partner force sustained in injury in the incident, after initially claiming it had not.

Halgan Media later published details about one of the ISIS members killed in the operation: “The Somali-ISIS faction has released a statement of admission revealing one of there senior figures Khalid Jama Mohamed, better known as Abu Osama Al-Muhajir was killed in a US drone strike in the Bari province of Northeast Somalia.

The statement by Somalia’s Islamic State faction stated that the now, deceased Abu Osama Al-Muhajir was key figure in the Somali-ISIS faction, prior to his death.

Abu Osama Al-Muhajir was said to be of Pakistani orgin and was a former member of Al Shabaab’s media branch prior to defecting to the Somali-ISIS faction.”

Garowe said that the incident took place in the Golis Mountains and provided further information: “In addition, the Puntland forces confirmed that over 20 militants were killed following an airstrike and subsequent ground combat.”

The outlet added: “During the operation, Puntland said, two trucks and several explosives were seized by ground forces, with several other militants also surrendering to the security teams.”

It is unclear whether US special forces supported the operation on the ground and to what extent the Puntland Security Forces are supported by the US.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), 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
    ISIS - Somalia
  • Belligerents reported killed
    7–8
  • Belligerents reported injured
    1

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Screenshot of ISIS media outlet mourning the death of Abu Osama Al-Muhajir, allegedly killed by a US airstrike near Timirshe on July 22nd, 2020 (via Puntland Mirror)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Timirshe. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Timirshe are: 10.56245, 50.42396.

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 an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia terrorists after they attacked partner forces in a remote location near Timirshe, Somalia, July 21. Timirshe is located 140 kilometers southeast of Bosasso.

"We continue to apply pressure on terrorist groups and assist our Somali partners in disrupting their operations," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, deputy director of operations, AFRICOM. "We continue our support to rid Somalia of the likes of ISIS and al-Shabaab."

At this time, it is assessed this airstrike killed seven (7) ISIS-Somalia terrorists.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.

When this airstrike occurred, U.S. forces were in the area in order to advise and assist Somali and partner forces. Terrorist groups continue to resort to the tradecraft of terror and propaganda in an effort to intimidate the local populace.

"Mistruths and lies are the terrorist weapons of choice," said Col. Chris Karns, director of public affairs, AFRICOM. "ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabaab have bankrupt narratives and visions of the future. Our partnership to unmask and degrade the capability of these terrorists is essential to security and stability in Somalia."

U.S. Africa Command continues to support the Government of Somalia by strengthening its security forces and promoting regional security, stability, and prosperity. Concurrently, the command is building enduring relationships and strategic alliances in East Africa to address looming challenges and malign activity by near-peer competitors.

The U.S continues to provide support to Somali efforts and counter violent extremist threats. The challenges in Africa will require African and international solutions. U.S. Africa Command remains committed to working with our African partners.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), 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
    ISIS - Somalia
  • Belligerents reported killed
    7–8
  • Belligerents reported injured
    1

Sources (14) [ collapse]