Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

February 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS489 TS079

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, New Street, Aleppo, Syria

At least 15 civilians from the same family died in either Turkish or Coalition airstrikes, as the battle to seize Al Bab from ISIL continued. Up to nine other non-combatants also died. Al Jazeera initially placed the death toll at 16 and then 24, though said the fatalities resulted from “shelling and battles in the

Summary

First published
February 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 24
(3 children5 women)
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
US-led Coalition, Turkish Military
Named victims
16 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2017

Incident Code

CI417

LOCATION

قرب مسجد الخشاب ، العربي, Vicinity of Al Khashab Mosque, Al Arabi, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said heavy artillery shelling which targeted Al Arabi neighbourhood at the left side of Mosul had left dozens of civilians dead or wounded. In October 2020, the US-led Coalition conceded killing 12 civilians and injuring a further ten in this event. Iraqyoon said at the time that witnesses had reported to the Iraqi

Summary

First published
January 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
10–15
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

March 15, 2017

Incident Code

CI544

LOCATION

باب الطوب, Mosul, Bab al Tor, Nineveh, Iraq

Local residents and military and medical sources said that up to two dozen civilians were killed or injured due to different kinds of shelling, and strikes by US Apache helicopters. This reportedly occurred during an ongoing battle around the Bab Al Tob area and other ancient neighborhoods in the center of Mosul. Naynawa Alghad reported

Summary

First published
March 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 24
Civilians reported injured
6–50
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

June 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2297

LOCATION

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

An unspecific number of civilians were killed and wounded in air and artillery strikes on the area of Akeirbat, including – according to Enabbaladi – the village of Abu Ramal. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame. While most blame Russia, only one blamed the Syrian regime. According to sources, as many as

Summary

First published
June 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 24
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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

September 7, 2017

Incident Code

CI841

LOCATION

Abassi, Kirkuk, Iraq

At least 12 and as many as dozens of civilians were reported killed following alleged US-led Coalition airstrikes on Abbasi, Huweija in the Tamim province. According to Al-Rafiden the Coalition launched 17 raids on the Huweija area. The Coalition was accused by the outlet of a bombardment on the city, that killed and wounded dozens

Summary

First published
September 7, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 24
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1023

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Raids continued overnight from the 19th to the 20th of July in Idlib, and Idlib City, killing up to 23 civilians, according to sources on the ground. Alamawi reported that missiles were continually fired throughout the night and into the next morning. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported sighting helicopters dropping explosive barrels after midnight on

Summary

First published
July 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 23
Civilians reported injured
30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2018

Incident Code

CS1836

LOCATION

البوبدران, Al Boubadran, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a residential area and reportedly killed between eight and 23 civilians, in what local sources described as “a massacre”. According to Sana News, 23 civilians died as a result of the airstrike. Step News  and Euphrates Post reported that a total of 20 people died. Step added that 17 belonged

Summary

First published
November 15, 2018
Last updated
March 22, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 23
(8–14 children3–4 women1 man)
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
US-led Coalition
Named victims
27 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS714

LOCATION

أبو الظهور, Abu al Duhur, Idlib, Syria

Between 15 and 23 civilians died and up to 132 were injured in airstrikes on Abu al Duhur, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. There were claims of a ‘double tap’ strike – with aircraft returning to attack rescuers. In a series

Summary

First published
March 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 23
(1 child3 women11 men)
Civilians reported injured
30–132
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
Named victims
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

CI588

LOCATION

الشفاء, Mosul, Al-Shafaa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local reports claimed that an airstrike struck the Emergency hospital and severely damaged it. This reportedly led to the death of 29 ISIL fighters and 23 civilians. Mosul Eye blamed the Coalition for the attack, which it also said injured 15 and killed 29 ISIL fighters. A report in Sawlf Ateka said that one of

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 14, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-069

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

At least 16 civilians were reportedly killed in indiscriminate shelling by Gaddafi regime forces on Misurata. Human Rights Watch reported: “Libyan government forces have launched indiscriminate rocket and mortar attacks on residential neighborhoods in the rebel-held city of Misrata, Human Rights Watch said today. One strike, apparently by a Grad rocket, killed at least eight

Summary

First published
April 14, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 23
(4–6 children4–6 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
4
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 targets
Libyan rebel forces, Other, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2017

Incident Code

CI755

LOCATION

البورصة, Mosul, Borsa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that 18 civilians from four named families – mostly children and women – died under the rubble. An airstrike reportedly hit their homes in the Borsa area in the centre of Mosul. It is presently unclear who was responsible for the airstrikes. Sawlf Ateka, a local Facebook page, launched an appeal to

Summary

First published
June 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21 – 23
(5 children5 women2 men)
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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2015

Incident Code

RS042

LOCATION

تيرمعلة, Teir Ma'ala, Homs, Syria

As many as 57 civilians were killed in a sequence of Russian airstrikes across Homs governorate. According to reports the attacks were in support of a Syrian regime ground offensive, backed by Iranian troops. In Teir Ma’ala, up to 23 non-combatants were said to have died alongside militants in a 6am attack. The Syrian Observatory

Summary

First published
October 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 23
(2 children1 woman7 men)
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
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS3175

LOCATION

كفربطنا, Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria

In a major civilian harm incident, up to 23 civilians – 21 of whom were named – were killed and as many as 40 others were wounded in air, artillery, and rocket strikes  on the residential vicinity of Kafar Batna, local media reported. Sources blamed both the Syrian regime and Russia for the airstrikes. The

Summary

First published
March 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21 – 23
(1 child22 men)
Civilians reported injured
40
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
Named victims
21 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

CS1660 RS2671

LOCATION

الصالحية, Al Salhiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 23 civilians, reportedly including two families, died and “a large number” more were injured in airstrikes on al Salhiya in Deir Ezzor, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition, Russia or the Syrian regime. Euphrates Post reported “21 martyrs and

Summary

First published
November 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 23
(3 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
10
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, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 9, 2018

Incident Code

RS2874

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Between nine and 23 civilians including as many as 13 children and seven women were killed, and dozens more were wounded, in air and artillery strikes which hit a residential vicinity in Hamouriya, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame for the strikes, some attributing blame to Russia while

Summary

First published
January 9, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 23
(7–13 children4–7 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
Named victims
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1116

LOCATION

إدلب, Idlib, Syria

Reports estimated that between 11 and 23 civilians were killed and between 30 and 70 more were injured airstrikes on Idlib City – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. Responsibility for the strikes was attributed to both regime and Russian warplanes by the Syrian Network for Human Rights

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
October 25, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 23
(3 men)
Civilians reported injured
30–70
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
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Nearby landmark
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2016

Incident Code

CI292

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported the deaths of up to 23 civilians – including 17 children and 1 woman – following an alleged Coalition airstrike on Mosul’s Najjar neighbourhood. Officials later confirmed the deaths of 10 civilians in the event. Iraqi Spring reported at the time that The coalition air force has targeted a home in which

Summary

First published
October 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
19 – 23
(17 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
11
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2018

Incident Code

RS3176

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Between 12 and 23 civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded in a reported chloride attack on Hamouriya, local media reported. Media blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the strikes which reportedly included cluster and barrel bombs, and surface-surface missiles. Twenty civilians were named, however, three additional victims were named as unidentified

Summary

First published
March 5, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 23
(12 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Causes of injury / death
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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
Named victims
21 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2015

Incident Code

CI072

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Zuhour and other neighbourhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

In January 2016, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq reported that it had learned of a major civilian casualty incident in Mosul on June 8th 2015, though had been unable either to verify the claim or attribute responsibility to any party: “On 8 June, local sources reported that an airstrike in Mosul, Ninewa, caused

Summary

First published
June 8, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 23
(7–8 children9–10 women)
Civilians reported injured
13–21
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

January 3, 2018

Incident Code

RS2844

LOCATION

مسرابا, Masraba, Damascus, Syria

In what has been described by local media as a “massacre”, 23 civilians were reported killed and as many as 80 more were wounded in airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Masraba. Local media was conflicted as to who was to blame. Most sources attributed the civilian harm to Russia, however a number of sources

Summary

First published
January 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 23
(1–3 children4–13 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
40–80
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
Named victims
20 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

CI323

LOCATION

حمام العليل, Mosul, Hamam al Alil subdistrict, Nineveh, Iraq

The UN report on the protection of civilians in the context of Nineveh operations and the retaking of Mosul stated: On 5 November, airstrikes hit two houses in Hamam al-Alil City resulting in the houses collapsing. Twenty-three civilians, including children, were reportedly trapped inside. In the evening of the same day, two children, one seriously

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(3 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 9, 2015

Incident Code

RS249

LOCATION

حمورية, Hamouriya, Damascus, Syria

Twenty-three civilians including eight children and one woman were reported killed and 20 injured in an airstrike on a residential area of Hamouriya, according to multiple sources. Reports were conflicted as to whether the attack was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network initially said 14 non-combatants died in a “massacre” by Russian warplanes.

Summary

First published
December 9, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(8 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
20
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
Named victims
22 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS1019

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

In a major civilian casualty event, 23 named civilians died and up to 50 more were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on an industrial area in Al Atareb, Aleppo. There were no allegations against the Assad regime. Death counts rose as reports emerged. Jisrtv reported seven killed, while Enab Baladi put the figure at “more

Summary

First published
July 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(5 children2 women16 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
23 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 26, 2017

Incident Code

CI580

LOCATION

باب سنجار, Mosul, Bab Sinjar, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that an unspecified number of civilians were killed or injured after airstrikes targeted Bab al-Sinjar neighbourhood, in west Mosul. Two sources blamed the Coalition, while others did not identify who was responsible.

Summary

First published
March 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
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

March 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2002

LOCATION

الغوطة الشرقية, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

A single source, the Smart News Agency, reported that 23 civilians were killed and 109 others wounded in numerous airstrikes from both Assad’s regime and Russia across Eastern Ghouta, Damascus. Smart News Agency used the Civil Defense as a source and reported that a spokesperson for them said: “among the dead were five children and

Summary

First published
March 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
109
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 24, 2015

Incident Code

CI075

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Rifai and Hermat, Nineveh, Iraq

Iraqi news agency NINA claimed that multiple Coalition airstrikes on the city of Mosul killed 23 people and injured a further 21. Citing an ‘anonymous security source’ the news agency reported that “Around 23 civilians were killed, including ten women and eight children, and 21 injured in the coalition bombing” which included the neighbourhoods of

Summary

First published
June 24, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
(8 children10 women)
Civilians reported injured
21
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

November 12, 2017

Incident Code

RS2725

LOCATION

السوسة, Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that as many as 23 civilians were killed in airstrikes which struck a river crossing in Soussa. Sources were conflicted as to who was culpable for the strikes, with some blaming Russia and others blaming the Syrian regime. Ghassan Alhaiawi put the numbers killed as high as 23. The named victims were

Summary

First published
November 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 23
(2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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
Named victims
5 named
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

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1590a

LOCATION

Raqqa, Syria

In the Amnesty and Airwars’s joint April 2019 report “War in Raqqa: Rhetoric versus Reality”, between 11 and 23 civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa. Although Airwars assesses single sourced incidents as “weak”, researchers have assessed this incident “fair” due to the depth of material provided by Amnesty. The report summarised

Summary

First published
October 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 23
(6 children3 women2 men)
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
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2017

Incident Code

CI602

LOCATION

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, Farouk and Makawi, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that up to 23 civilians were killed and 24 injured in airstrikes on Mashahade, Yarmouk, Farouk, and Tanak neighbourhoods in West Mosul and Old Mosul.

Summary

First published
April 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
23
Civilians reported injured
24
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