Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

RS1927

Incident date

February 26, 2017

Location

الحور, Al Hour, Aleppo, Aleppo , Syria

Geolocation

36.88256, 38.17169 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three medical staff were wounded in an airstrike which struck Al-Huda Surgical Hospital in Al Hour, Aleppo, local media report. According to sources, the hospital has been since rendered out of service. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. Some blamed Russia, while others blamed the Syrian regime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights specified that the Syrian regime and its allies were to blame. 

Al Jazeera reported that artillery was used in the raid. Initial reporting however did specify that air to ground missiles were seen.

Two ambulances were also reportedly destroyed in the raid, as was some of the surrounding area.

RFS news noted that the hospital served more than 300,000 people in the villages of Aleppo.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

  • Hospital rendered out of service due to an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Al Hour, 26th Feb 2017. (via Halabtoday)
  • Hospital rendered out of service due to an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Al Hour, 26th Feb 2017. (via Abutaym_Halabi)
  • Hospital rendered out of service due to an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Al Hour, 26th Feb 2017. (via Smart news agency)
  • Hospital rendered out of service due to an alleged Russian and Syrian regime raid on Al Hour, 26th Feb 2017. (via Aleppo white helmets)

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any strikes between February 1st – 31st 2017.

Syrian Regime Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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]

Incident Code

USYEMTr110

Incident date

November 1–2, 2017

Location

أم فريض, Am Furayd, Abyan, Yemen

Geolocation

13.92457, 46.1741 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A US drone strike reportedly killed an alleged AQAP militant, named as Ahmad Masfar Al-Khadr Al-Walidi, in or near Al-Furayd, in the Mudiyah district of Abyan governorate, around midnight on November 1st-2nd 2017.

A local source told Sputnik that Al-Khader was killed by a drone strike between the villages of Al-Fareed and Kawkab. Al-Riyadh further reported that Al-Khader was a “field leader” for AQAP.

Others, including @demolinari and @Dr_E_Kendall, suggested that there were reports that Al-Walidi may have been killed by an IED, possibly his own that had detonated early. There were no known reports of civilian harm.

The incident occured around midnight.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Some sources suggested that alleged AQAP militant Ahmad Masfar al-Khadr al-Walidi was killed in a US drone strike, though other suggested that he was killed by an IED (@demolinari, November 2nd 2017)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck in or near the village of Am Furayd (أم فريض), for which the generic coordinates are: 13.92457, 46.1741. 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
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC338

Incident date

April 7, 2020

Location

مستشفى الخضراء, Khadra Hospital, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.854416, 13.192035 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was allegedly injured by LNA shelling on the Khadra Hospital in Tripoli.

Hona Souq Al-Khmies wrote: “Al-Khadra Hospital has been exposed to indiscriminate rockets this afternoon on the Women’s and Obstetric Operations Department.

The doctor continues operations despite the difficult circumstance, fear and terror, a victim was exposed to shrapnel wounds.”

Other sources did not report civilian harm. Libya Ambulance Services said: “Part of the evacuation operations carried out by the rescue and emergency teams of patients from Al Hadaba Al Khadra’ General Hospital, which was subjected to shelling with random shells today, where more than 30 patients were evacuated.”

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
    Libyan National Army

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Window allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on the Khadra Hospital on April 7th, 2020 (via Hona Souq Al-Khmies)
  • Window allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on the Khadra Hospital on April 7th, 2020 (via Hona Souq Al-Khmies)
  • Window allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on the Khadra Hospital on April 7th, 2020 (via Hona Souq Al-Khmies)
  • Blood stain on a bed after alleged LNA shelling on the Khadra Hospital on April 7th, 2020 (via Hona Souq Al-Khmies)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Shrapnel wound allegedly casued by LNA shelling on the Khadra Hospital on April 7th, 2020 (via Hona Souq Al-Khmies)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Shrapnel wound allegedly casued by LNA shelling on the Khadra Hospital on April 7th, 2020 (via Hona Souq Al-Khmies)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of the Al Khadra Hospital (مستشفى الخضراء) for which the generic coordinates are: 32.854416, 13.192035. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
    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
    Libyan National Army

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEM037-B

Incident date

September 21, 2011

Location

المحفد, Al Mahfed, Abyan, Yemen

Geolocation

14.059345, 46.915427 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On 21 September, 2011, alleged US airstrikes on the town of Al-Mahfad were said to have killed four suspected AQAP militants, according to numerous sources. Initial claims that high-profile Al Qaeda officials such as Anwar al-Awlaki, Fahd al-Quso and Said al-Shihri may have been present and killed in the strike were later proven false. There are no reported cases of civilian harm.

The strike on Al-Mahfad took place in conjunction with numerous strikes throughout the province of Abyan in south Yemen, and several sources, such as AFP, Al Hadath Journal, and Yemen Latest News put the number of alleged AQAP militants killed throughout the province at ten. AFP reported that of the ten, six were killed in a strike on Shaqra and four were killed in a strike on Al-Mahfad. AFP reported that two strikes took place in Mahfad.

A resident told Aden Al-Ghad that he saw dense smoke rising from the middle of rugged wooden warehouses used by the shepherds years ago to store firewood and other materials before armed groups settled in the area into gathering centers.

AFP and Aden Online reported that four alleged militants were killed in the strike on Al-Mahfad, with Aden Online noting that the strike was the work of US aircraft. Other sources, such as Al Hadath, claim that the strikes were carried out by drones. Long War Journal states that it is unknown whether the strikes were carried out by warplanes or drones and that when they contacted the US for comment, the US military officials “would not comment on airstrikes, but said US forces are supporting Yemeni forces”.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A screenshot captured on the BBC website shows Said al-Shihri (Photo credit: AP), an al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) commander who was though to have been targeted and killed in the strike. However this was later proven false.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Mahfed (المحفد), for which the generic coordinates are: 14.059345, 46.915427. 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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1888

Incident date

February 13, 2017

Location

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.569294, 38.291216 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unspecified number of civilians were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against Palmyra in eastern Homs. Smart News Agency was the only source to report on this incident and identified Russian planes as responsible for carrying out the airstrikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC364

Incident date

April 22, 2020

Location

وريمة, Weryama, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.8963579, 13.2995395 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians, including a child, were injured in alleged LNA shelling on the neighbourhood of Weryama in Tarjoura on April 22nd, 2020, according to local sources.

Tk Yahrouq Kl shy reported that “shrapnel fell on a house in Weryama area, adjacent to the Maitika airport, and a young girl from the Al Ezibi family was injured alongside her uncle.”

Libya Al Ahrar wrote that Haftar militias intensively shelled areas in Tripoli, among which Weryama, reporting civilian casualties and damaged houses.

Currently, further information is unavailable to Airwars.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely 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
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Damaged house after alleged LNA shelling on Weryama neighbourhood in Tajoura on April 22nd, 2018 (via Tk Yahrouq Kl shy).
  • Photo of a damaged house after alleged LNA shelling on Weryama neighbourhood in Tajoura on April 22nd, 2018 (via Tk Yahrouq Kl shy).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Weryama (وريمة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.8963579, 13.2995395. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
    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
    Libyan National Army
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEM075-B

Incident date

May 10, 2012

Location

شُقرة‎, Shaqra, Abyan, Yemen

Geolocation

13.356639, 45.699426 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A series of three alleged US bombing raids killed at least two militants and destroyed numerous vehicles in the in the Shakra area on May 10, 2022. There were no reports of civilian harm.

According to almotamar.net, the Al Qaeda site in the Shakra area that was struck in the air strikes was used to store military vehicles, and the raid resulted in the destruction of a military kit in addition to a second vehicle that was controlled by the organization’s members earlier.

This attack was corroborated by almotamar.net through Yemeni military officials, however Al Qaeda released a statement that said four militants were killed and none of them were leaders of the terror group – it is unclear whether the casualties they are referring to occurred in this incident or the strikes that were launched against Jaar the same day (USYEM074-B).

The New York Times reported that two airstrikes in Jaar and Shaqra killed seven militants and two militants respectively. However, Yemen Observer identified four Al Qaeda militants as being killed by a US drone in the area “of Al Mashro in Shaqrah, 50 km east of Zinjibar”, including Kheldoon Al Sayed, the second man in Abyan after the Emir Al Khadir Hussein Al Jadani (who some sources said was killed in Jaar in USYEM074-B)

These strikes came almost concurrently with an attack that killed eight militants in a home in Jaar (USYEM074-B). Washington did not immediately state if American drones were responsible for any of these attacks, but Yemeni officials, speaking on anonymity, noted that American drones were the only type of aircraft in the area with the capability to carry out such assaults.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–4

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the area Al Mashro in the town of Shaqra (شُقرة‎), 50 km east of Zinjibar. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location of the Al Mashro area. However, the coordinates for the town of Shaqra (شُقرة‎) are: 13.356639, 45.699426.

US Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–4

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC380

Incident date

May 6, 2020

Location

أبو سليم, Abu Salim, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.842957, 13.171578 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to six civilians were allegedly killed and up to 27 more injured by allegedly LNA shelling on the Abu Salim neighbourhood of Tripoli.

Tk Yahrouq Kl shy reported two deaths.

Hona Souq Al-Khmies repored two dead and eight injured.

The Field Medicine and Support Center said one person was killed and 27 more civilians injured.

The GNA-led Burkan Al-Ghadab operation posted: “6 dead, dozens wounded, and extensive damage to private and public property, from the destruction of homes and cars in the bombing of the Haftar terrorist militia on citizens’ homes in the densely populated Abu Salim municipality.”

The LNA itself declared the shelling without mentioning civilian harm: “The artillery was able to target the ammunition of the criminal militia Ghanwa inside its headquarters in the heart of Abu Salim in a process that is surprising, accurate and painful.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male from Abu Salim killed
29 years old female injured
24 years old male injured
30 years old male injured
30 years old male injured
28 years old male injured
40 years old male injured
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 6
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–27
  • 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
  • Known target
    GNA

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (26) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of alleged LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th 2020 (via Tk Yahrouq kl shy).
  • Smoke above Abu Salim after alleged LNA shelling on May 6th 2020 (via Tk Yahrouq kl shy).
  • Photo of the aftermath of alleged LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th 2020 (via Tk Yahrouq kl shy).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Civilian allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Civilian allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Building allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Building allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Road allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Car allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Building allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Blood stain on the ground after alleged LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Car allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Cars allegedly destroyed by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Car allegedly destroyed by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Car allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)
  • Building allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)
  • Victim allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)
  • Victim allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)
  • Building allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)
  • Building allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)
  • Building allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)
  • Building allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Abu Salim on May 6th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Abu Salim (ابوسليم),  for which the generic coordinates are: 32.842957, 13.171578. 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 Abu Salim (أبو سليم).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Libyan National Army Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 6
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–27
  • 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
  • Known target
    GNA

Sources (13) [ collapse]