Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

May 31, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM129

LOCATION

30 miles southwest of Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM reported on the same day that it had “conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants approximately 30 miles southwest of Mogadishu, Somalia, on May 31”. It added: “We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.” However, AFRICOM claimed that the airstrike killed “twelve (12) terrorists”. In a subsequent FOIA response obtained by

Summary

First published
May 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
12
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2018

Incident Code

CS1756

LOCATION

باغوز فوقاني, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to local sources, Coalition airstrikes and artillery shelling on the town of Al Baghouz led to the deaths of up to nine civilians, including two or three children. Coalition officials indicated to Airwars that it is likely that this incident matches one of the following concession of civilian harm. In their February 2019 press

Summary

First published
May 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(3 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2018

Incident Code

CS1757

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Multiple sources reported on the death of one civilian as a result of an airstrike on Al Soussa. Euphrates Post and Masar Press both stated that the civilian casualty was a result of a drone strike. Euphrates Post went on to say that the drone had targeted an ISIS vehicle – and that shrapnel from

Summary

First published
May 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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 31, 2018

Incident Code

CS1758

LOCATION

هداج, Hadaj, Al Hassakah, Syria

Local sources reported that up to twelve people from one family, including between two and four children and four women, were killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Hadaj village. According to Amc-Sy, eight members of the Awwad al Latif family were killed and others wounded when their homes were struck on a Friday night.

Summary

First published
May 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 12
(4–7 children2 women4 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
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
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM130-C

LOCATION

Bariire, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A suspected airstrike in a field outside Bariire, a village 30 miles west of Mogadishu, killed three boys and left one woman injured, according to The National. Journalist Amanda Sperber met Halimo Mohamed Abdi, a herder who was injured in the action: “The blast broke both her hips, left shrapnel embedded in her thigh, and

Summary

First published
May 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
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 belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
0–12
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2018

Incident Code

CS1755

LOCATION

باغوز فوقاني, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that three civilians were killed after an air raid targeted the village of al Baghouz. Sound and Picture stated that the three civilians were killed after “air strikes from a combat aircraft coming from the Iraqi side” struck the village in the countryside of Abu Kamal. While the source was alone

Summary

First published
May 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2018

Incident Code

LC081

LOCATION

الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Darnah, Libya

Heavy air raids on western Derna and Al-Fatayah were launched by LNA planes and UAE drones, according to local sources. Unlimited News said that civilians were harmed in the strikes: “Activists said airstrikes late on Sunday targeted the western entrance to the city. Hours earlier, a civilian from Derna was wounded, and three others were

Summary

First published
May 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2018

Incident Code

CS1754

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa: al Boubadran, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to local sources, two civilians were killed and two civilians were injured in a declared Coalition airstrike on the town of Al Soussa on May 27, 2018. Euphrates Post, Lawhat Bukmalna and Deir Ezzor 24 reported that Issa Mohammed al-Debs, an Abu Kamal local, was killed by an air raid on the Boubdran district

Summary

First published
May 27, 2018
Last updated
May 1, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 25, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr168-C

LOCATION

وادي الخورة, Wadi Khora, Shabwa, Yemen

A civilian, who most sources reported to be a 17-year old child, was reportedly killed by a US drone strike in Wadi Khora area in Shabwa, before sunset on May 25th 2018. In a later press release, US Central Command stated that a strike had been conducted on that day, citing three possible provinces. Since

Summary

First published
May 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child1 man)
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 Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
1–2
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM128

LOCATION

Arbiska, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A late night US strike on the village of Arbiska was reported by Radio Shabelle. According to the local news outlet, “Suspected American fighter jets were reported to have carried out an overnight airstrike in Lower Shabelle region, targeting Al-Shabaab bases, residents said. The strike happened on the outskirt of Arbiska village, located near the capital,

Summary

First published
May 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
10
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2018

Incident Code

CS1753a

LOCATION

هجين, Near Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Self-reporting by the US-led Coalition identified four civilians killed in a strike in the vicinity of Hajin in Deir Ezzor. Local reports at the time made no reference to civilian harm. According to a Coalition report issued September 27th 2018, “May 23, 2018, near Hajin, Syria, via self-report. During a strike four civilians were unintentionally

Summary

First published
May 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 22, 2018

Incident Code

CS1753b

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to a single report, three civilians were killed at al Sha’afa during what was described as French artillery shelling from Coalition forces. According to Asia News, “Three civilians were killed and others were wounded in the village of Al-Shaafa in the eastern suburb of Deir Al-Zour, as a result of artillery shelling carried out

Summary

First published
May 22, 2018
Last updated
December 23, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 22, 2018

Incident Code

RS3437

LOCATION

قرية عرب سعيد, Arab Saeed: Idlib-Salqin road, Idlib, Syria

An unknown number of civilians was injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the village of Arab Saeed village on Idlib Salqeen road, Idlib governorate, on May 22nd, 2018, according to local sources. Aneen reported “civilian casualties as a result of the Russian airstrike targeting civilians in the village of Arab Saeed, near the road Idlib

Summary

First published
May 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 20, 2018

Incident Code

CS1753

LOCATION

هجين/الشعفة, Hajin or al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A local monitor reported that a number of civilians were injured after the towns of Hajin and al Sha’afa were shelled on May 20th. According to Sound and Vision, the “continuous bombardment by French artillery aimed at the city of Hajin and the town of al Sha’afa” harmed non-combatant civilians. The report however failed to

Summary

First published
May 20, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS3436

LOCATION

مخيم اليرموك, Al Yarmouk Refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Smart News Agency reported that three civilians, among them one child and a woman, were killed after alleged Russian airstrikes on Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus governorate, on May 19th 2018. Smart wrote that “two women, one old, and one child were killed by the shelling that targeted a residential basement in the camp. [Local activists]

Summary

First published
May 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child2 women)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 18, 2018

Incident Code

RS3435

LOCATION

مخيم اليرموك, Al Yarmouk Refugee camp, Damascus, Syria

Two children and four women were killed in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Yarmouk refugee camp, Damascus governorate on May 18th 2018, according to local sources. Syria TV reported that “Syrian regime and Russian warplanes carried out a massacre of Palestinians in Yarmouk refugee camp today, by targeting a shelter with dozens

Summary

First published
May 18, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children4 women)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 18, 2018

Incident Code

LQ066

LOCATION

درنة, Derna, Darnah, Libya

Various local sources reported joint airstrikes by the LNA and an unknown pro-LNA actor on Derna. Alnabaa TV reported: “The correspondent added, Friday, that a random shell fell on the central district of the city, causing damage to buildings without causing civilian harm.” Libya 24 TV reported that an ammunition store was destroyed in the

Summary

First published
May 18, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

May 17, 2018

Incident Code

RS3434

LOCATION

تل صندل, Tal Sandel, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and four others, including women, were wounded as a result of airstrikes on the village of Tal Sandal, Idlib governorate, according to local sources. These blamed both Russian warplanes and the Syrian regime. Orient News reported that “a civilian was killed and four others, including women, were injured on Thursday evening [May

Summary

First published
May 17, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
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
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2018

Incident Code

CS1752

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Filasteen neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four civilians were killed and up to 14 injured following air or artillery strikes on the Filasteen neighbourhood of al Soussa, with the Coalition believed by sources to be responsible. A resident of Abu Kamal told Al Haal that Coalition aircraft had targeted the village with more than five raids – with one of them

Summary

First published
May 16, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2018

Incident Code

LC080

LOCATION

الكفرة, Kufra, Al Kufrah, Libya

Three Eritrean citizens were reportedly killed in an airstrike in Kufra city and eight more Eritrean asylum seekers wounded in an airstrike in Kufra city near Abdulmalik mountain close to the Egyptian border, according to Vincent Cochetel, Special Envoy of the UNHCR for the Central Mediterranean situation. Jamal Adel said on Twitter the strike was

Summary

First published
May 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
8
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
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2018

Incident Code

RS3433

LOCATION

أريحا, Ariha, Idlib, Syria

Two children and a woman were killed by alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Ariha, Idlib governorate, on May 15th 2018, according to local sources. An unknown number of civilians was wounded. The Syrian Civil Defence reported that the children Bara’ah Haj Ali (aged 6) and Rayan Haj Ali (aged 12)

Summary

First published
May 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children1 woman)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr167

LOCATION

الرُميله, Rumaila, Ma'rib, Yemen

Three possible AQAP militants were reportedly killed by a US drone strike in the Rumaila area, in the Marib district of Marib governorate, at around 7:30pm on May 15th 2018. Sadam Al-Adwar, a human rights activist, tweeted that the strike had targeted a motorcycle in the area: “At 7:30pm, today is a drone strike targeting

Summary

First published
May 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2018

Incident Code

CS1751a

LOCATION

السوسة, near As Susah, Syria, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of four civilians near As Susah. In its July 2018 report, the Coalition noted: “During a strike on Daesh IED facility, four civilians were unintentionally killed”. The Coalition provided Airwars with the location of this incident, accurate to within a 100

Summary

First published
May 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr166-C

LOCATION

وادي الخورة, Wadi Khora, Shabwa, Yemen

At least two men were reportedly killed by a US drone strike in Wadi Khora, Merkhat area of Shabwa governorate, overnight from May 14th-15th 2018. Though most sources suggested that those killed were AQAP militants, a brother of one of the dead denied to Associated Press that either were members of AQAP or ISIS. A

Summary

First published
May 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 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
Belligerents reported killed
1–4
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2018

Incident Code

CI877

LOCATION

السفينة و حويجة, Mashraq village, Nineveh, Iraq

According to local reports, airstrikes targeted villages south of Mosul on the morning of May 14th and resulted in considerable damage – and injured between two and five civilians. The Coalition later conceded injuring 13 civilians in the event. Yaqein quoted a local source that stated that “An aircraft believed to be an American fired

Summary

First published
May 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
13
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

May 14, 2018

Incident Code

CS1751

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

According to a single source, several civilians were wounded as a result of Iraqi and Coalition air or artillery strikes on the village of Al Baghouz on May 15th. Multiple sources stated that the Syrian Defence Forces (SDF), supported by the International Coalition and in coordination with Iraqi forces, took control of the town of

Summary

First published
May 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 12, 2018

Incident Code

CS1750

LOCATION

هداج, Hadaj, Al Hassakah, Syria

Local sources reported that up to ten civilians were killed, including five women and four children, in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Hadaj. A tweet by @NDhoms1 was the only source stating that “10 civilians, including 8 women and children” died. All other sources specifically mentioned the death of “five women and

Summary

First published
May 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 10
(4 children5 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
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

May 11, 2018

Incident Code

CS1749

LOCATION

الحمادي, Al Hammadi, Al Hassakah, Syria

Coalition raids on the village of al Hammadi resulted in the deaths of up to eight civilians, including three children and five women. The US-led alliance later accepted responsibility for at least four deaths. The village in the area of Abu Hamda is located close to the Iraqi-Syrian border and according to Al Khabour, is

Summary

First published
May 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(3 children5 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2018

Incident Code

CS1748a

LOCATION

Khatuniya, Al Hassakah, Syria

In an incident previously untracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Khatuniya. The Pentagon later reported this to have been a US action. According to CJTFOIR’s June 2019 civilian casualty report: “Coalition forces engaged in a small arms fire event. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed

Summary

First published
May 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
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

May 10, 2018

Incident Code

RS3432

LOCATION

النقير, Al Naqir, Idlib, Syria

A girl was killed in the village of Al Naqir in rural Idlib as a result of bombings by alleged Russian warplanes on May 10th 2018, local sources reported. Idlib Media Center wrote that a child was killed “as a result of targeting with rockets by the Russian occupation aircraft in the town of Al

Summary

First published
May 10, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely 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
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident