Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1404

LOCATION

Kafr Nassr, Aleppo, Syria

Up to three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on the village of Kafr Nasseh outside of Aleppo, according to local media. Halab News listed two additional unidentified victims – and joined all other sources in attributing this event to Russia. Photographic evidence shows that cluster bombs were used.

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1488

LOCATION

بابولين, Babouleen, Idlib, Syria

Between two and nine civilians died and an unspecified number more were wounded in an airstrike on Babouleen, according to local media. Most sources reported that the warplane struck a civilian car with heavy machine guns. The majority of sources pointed towards the Syrian regime, though Russian actions were also reported, meaning that its involvement

Summary

First published
October 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 9
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2014

Incident Code

CI010

LOCATION

عوينات, Awinat, Nineveh, Iraq

According to news agency NINA, a “US air strike on the village of Aouinat northwest of Mosul killed five civilians, according to a source in forensic medicine in Mosul.” The Al Rafidain website (in a report dated ten days after the event) placed the death toll higher at between 10 and 20, saying two houses

Summary

First published
October 17, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS545

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The Shaam News Network, reported that five non-combatants died in Fardous as part of “Russian aggression on different areas in Aleppo” on Thursday February 4th. The Syrian Press Center reported that Russian warplanes carried out “a number of raids on Al Mashhad and al Ferdous in the city of Aleppo, which resulted in the death

Summary

First published
February 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2014

Incident Code

CI022

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

In an event previously unreported by Airwars, an internal Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) reported “4 unknown persons potentially injured while moving into the engagement area,” during a Coalition airstrike on Objective Nebula, a targeted vehicle. France later confirmed that it had carried out a targeted strike in Mosul on that date, though it is not

Summary

First published
December 16, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
(4 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2017

Incident Code

CI597

LOCATION

several neighbourhoods in West Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that up to 25 civilians were killed and between 23 and 26 injured in airstrikes and artillery shelling in various neighbourhoods in West Mosul. Fareek Al-Morasleen said on Facebook that US airstrikes and artillery had led to the casualties. The other source did not say who was responsible.

Summary

First published
April 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 25
Civilians reported injured
23–26
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 6, 2015

Incident Code

CS052

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A Jordanian airstrike against an “ISIL weapons compound” – in coordination with the US military – allegedly killed US aid worker and hostage Kayla Mueller, along with up to 30 militants from Islamic State. The US later said that “with the information that we have there’s no evidence of civilians in the target area prior

Summary

First published
February 6, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2017

Incident Code

CS1054b

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

Eleven civilians from one family were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Raqqa. Originally the names of the victims were published under incident number CS1054, however Amnesty research assessed that there were two separate strikes, this one occurring at 11pm, while the other occurred at 6pm. Amnesty has placed the strike on the 21st despite

Summary

First published
June 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11
(7 children2 women2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
15 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 19, 2015

Incident Code

CI059

LOCATION

الرطبة, Ar Rutbah, Al Anbar, Iraq

In a likely US or British drone strike, a truck was inadvertently hit during an airstrike at Ar Rutbah, according to a declassified CENTCOM report. “2 seconds prior to weapon impact, a large truck inadvertently arrived at the checkpoint. The back section of the truck was possibly damaged during the strike.” The driver was observed

Summary

First published
April 19, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 11, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM051-C

LOCATION

1.2 km east of Yontoy, Lower Juba, Somalia

Three civilians were reportedly killed in a US drone strike in Lower Juba. The attack began late on April 11 and continued into the small hour of April 12, Lt Col Michelle Baldanza of AFRICOM later said in a statement. The camp “posed an imminent threat to US personnel,” she said. Somali officials allege the

Summary

First published
April 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5–15
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2015

Incident Code

CS082

LOCATION

عربيد, Arbeed, Raqqa, Syria

A reported 1am airstrike on the ISIL-occupied village of Arbeed was said to have killed two women at the home of Adel al Kharfan. Mr al Kharfan’s wife (a mother of six children) died along with her relative, the wife of Ismael al Kharfan and a mother of four. Mr al-Kharfan’s son later told SN4HR:

Summary

First published
June 19, 2015
Last updated
March 9, 2023
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2018

Incident Code

CS1871a

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of a civilian in an event near Hajin, Syria. The Pentagon later declared this to have been a US-caused incident. Their September 2019 civilian casualty report noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded

Summary

First published
December 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

July 21, 2015

Incident Code

CI086

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Muthana, Nineveh, Iraq

A vehicle was reportedly bombed by the Coalition in Al Muthanna neighbourhood in Mosul, leading to claims that one civilian was killed and a further four were injured. Local residents’ site Hunaal Hadbaa said that a KIA Rio car was targeted in the attack, with shrapnel then killing and injuring civilians in the vicinity. One

Summary

First published
July 21, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 24, 2019

Incident Code

LC145

LOCATION

أبو سليم, Abu Salim, Tarabulus, Libya

Three people were reportedly injured by indiscriminate artillery shelling on the Abu Salim neighbourhood of Tripoli. The Municipal Council of Abu Salim published a statement saying: “As a result of the indiscriminate shelling of the Municipality of Abu Salim, a random rocket landed on the main road next to the traffic light. This rocket caused

Summary

First published
May 24, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 belligerents
Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2015

Incident Code

CS121

LOCATION

تل براك, Tall Birak, or villages to the south, Al Hassakah, Syria

Reports emerged on the evening of September 5th that a 13-year old boy named as Abboud Al Kharnoub may have died in a Coalition strike in the vicinity of Tal Brak near al Hassakah. Baladi News also reported that a number of women were injured, without giving further details. It also said that the casualties

Summary

First published
September 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM272-C

LOCATION

Homboy, Middle Juba, Somalia

US Africa Command declared on the same day that it had conducted an airstrike on al Shabaab in the vicinity of Jilib, which it said had killed one militant. It was later claimed that a 20-year old farmer named Mohamed Moalim was killed in the strike, with the location given as Hoombooy – although in

Summary

First published
January 27, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2015

Incident Code

CS137

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

In a Coalition targeted strike, three men were killed when a car was destroyed at Al Atarib on the road between Sarmada and Bab Al-Hawa. The Coalition originally reported destroying a car at Aleppo on October 15th-16th 2015. This was later amended to a US unilateral action, a targeted killing which the Pentagon said had

Summary

First published
October 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
(0–3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM186a-C

LOCATION

IVO Janay Abdalle, Lower Juba, Somalia

An unspecified number was allegedly killed by a US strike on Janay Abdalle, which AFRICOM later discounted. In first quarterly civilian casualty assessment it says: “February 3, 2019, AFRICOM received one allegation from an online media source claiming an unspecified number of civilians were killed from an airstrike in the vicinity of Janay Abdalle, Somalia,

Summary

First published
February 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2015

Incident Code

CS150

LOCATION

العريشة, Al`Arishah, Al Hassakah, Syria

There were reports that two civilians named as Awwad Bandar Al Hamidi and his son (age presently unknown) Mahmoud Awwad Al Hamidi died after their vehicle was targeted by alleged Coalition aircraft on the road to Al Arisheh. Another source said the pair were on their way to the local cattle market when they died.

Summary

First published
November 24, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(0–1 children1–2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 1, 2020

Incident Code

CS1944

LOCATION

حقل كونيكو النفطي, Koniko Oil Fields, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One civilian was reported killed on May 1st, 2020 allegedly by a sniper bullet fired at him by the American troops in Koniko oil field in Deir Ezzor or by YPG/QSD members who guard the oil field as local sources said. The victim who worked as a teacher in Raqqa city was identified as Yasser

Summary

First published
May 1, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, YPG
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Incident Code

CI170

LOCATION

حي سومر, Mosul, Sumer, Nineveh, Iraq

Ten civilian prisoners were reportedly killed in an alleged 5 am Coalition strike on Mosul which targeted the Nineveh provincial council building. According to A3Maq, “international coalition aircraft launched at dawn on Wednesday several raids in which some 20 rockets were fired, The aircraft targeted the marriage contracts office, the Office of the Ombudsman and

Summary

First published
December 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
Civilians reported injured
31
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr081-C

LOCATION

الجيف, Al Jayf, Ma'rib, Yemen

In an email to The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, US Central Command stated that a strike had targeted four “AQAP terrorists” in Marib governorate on April 29th 2017. This confirmed reports that a US drone strike had killed at least two alleged AQAP militants in Al Jayf area, Al Jubah district of Marib governorate, early

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared 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
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
1–5
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2016

Incident Code

CI191

LOCATION

يت, Hit, Al Anbar, Iraq

According to multiple local sources, a Coalition or Iraqi government aircraft struck the Sina’i, Bakir and Jame’iya neighbourhoods in Hit district, western Anbar, resulting in the deaths of 2 or 3 civilians and the injuring of 5 more. Daesh-linked Al A’amaq said the strikes were the work of the Coalition. The Iraqi Spring Media Center

Summary

First published
February 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces
View Incident

Incident date

January 24, 2019

Incident Code

CS1892

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that a named child originally from the city of Mohsen, and named as Omar Basim al-Aliwi, died from wounds sustained “several days ago” in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Baghouz. Airwars has therefore placed the date range of this reported event as January 24th-26th. No other details are

Summary

First published
January 24, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2016

Incident Code

CI210

LOCATION

يت, Hit, Qalqa neighbourhood, Al Anbar, Iraq

An alleged Coalition airstrike on the Qalqa neighbourhood of Hit resulted in 20 civilians reportedly injured, and one child was killed. According to Hit News, the home of gas seller Lutfi Abu was also hit. News of Iraq quoted what it said was a local source: “Warplanes of the international coalition bombed residential areas behind

Summary

First published
March 30, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2019

Incident Code

CS1889

LOCATION

المناطق تحت سيطرة داعش, al-Murshada and al-Safatna areas, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, Step News, reported that a number of civilians were killed and injured in the vicinity of al-Murshada and al-Safatna villages (in addition to members of ISIS), as a result of “triple artillery bombardment by the regime forces, the French artillery stationed in the Abulhassan desert, the artillery of the Iraqi army and

Summary

First published
January 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2016

Incident Code

CI232

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Al-Malyia, Nineveh, Iraq

Four families comprising 36 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the Al-Maliya district east of Mosul in a strike by the international coalition, according to a senior medical source in Nineveh quoted by NINA. In a rarely named citation, Director of the Emergency General Hospital in Mosul Dr Mahdi al-Rubaie told the National

Summary

First published
April 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
36 – 37
(11 children17–18 women)
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

Incident Code

RS4509

LOCATION

كنصفرة, Kansafra, Idlib, Syria

Between one and three civilians were injured in alleged Russian or regime artillery strikes on the town of Kansafra on July 7, 2020. A tweet from @BelalBayoush90 reported that three civilians were injured by heavy artillery and rocket launcher attacks on the town of Kansafra, attributing the attack to the regime while @thawrat111 identified two

Summary

First published
July 7, 2020
Last updated
March 1, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2016

Incident Code

CS223

LOCATION

أوجقناه, Ojkana, Aleppo, Syria

22 civilians including at least 13 children were reported killed and 13 people injured following alleged Coalition airstrikes in Manbij. The Shaam News Network reported that “Coalition planes launched raids on IS positions in Manbij and the surrounding area which led to the fall of civilian martyrs and wounded.” The Syrian Press Centre said that

Summary

First published
June 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
22 – 23
(11–15 children6 women)
Civilians reported injured
13–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
24 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2022

Incident Code

YS127

LOCATION

جرابلس, Jarablus, Aleppo, Syria

According to many sources, one “young” civilian was reported injured by a mortar shell attributed to the PKK/YPG or the Syrian Democratic Forces in the city of Jarablus, east of Aleppo, on March 1st 2022.  According to @SOHEB2019, their Al-Khabour correspondent said that the damage was limited to material damage, indicating that there was no

Summary

First published
March 1, 2022
Last updated
July 19, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
YPG
View Incident