Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

February 20, 2018

Incident Code

RS3044

LOCATION

عربين, Arbeen, Damascus, Syria

At least seven but as many as 18 civilians, including up to eight children and one woman, were killed and dozens left wounded as Russian and/or Assad forces carried out aerial and artillery shelling of Arbeen, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, as reported by numerous local sources. In this widely-documented incident, Arbeen was, like the rest of

Summary

First published
February 20, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 18
(4–8 children1 woman)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
8 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2015

Incident Code

CI081

LOCATION

الحويجة, Safra, Kirkuk, Iraq

An alleged strike by Coalition aircraft reportedly killed 18 civilians and injured a further 10, according to a single source. Al Gharbiya claimed that a number of villages south west of Hawija were hit. “About 30 civilians were killed and wounded on Wednesday in a bombardment by an international warplane in several areas of the

Summary

First published
July 1, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18
Civilians reported injured
10
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
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2018

Incident Code

CS1765

LOCATION

منطقة تل الجاير:خويبيرة, Tal al Jair (or Tal Safouk), Khwuweibra village school, Al Hassakah, Syria

According to several sources, ten or eighteen civilians, including women and children, were allegedly killed in a Coalition airstrike on the village of Khuweibra in the Tal al Jair area. Eye on al Hasaka reported in a Facebook post that “The International Coalition committed a new massacre in the Tal Al Jair area”. An individual

Summary

First published
June 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 18
(2–6 children2–6 women)
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

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS723

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

Up to eighteen civilians including nine children and three women died in alleged Coalition airstrikes in Tabaqa, according to multiple local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that “the family of Ali Abu Aish was killed after they were targeted by a coalition plane with machine gun fire while they were trying to leave

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 18
(9 children3–4 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
14 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

LC074

LOCATION

الفتايح, Al Fatayeh, Darnah, Libya

In the first significant civilian casualty report in several months, various sources said that between 12 and 18 civilians were killed in an airstrike in Al-Fatayih – among them up to eight children and five women. In addition, 25 to 30 people were reported injured in the strike. Most sources claim Egypt was responsible for

Summary

First published
October 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 18
Civilians reported injured
15–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Egyptian Military, United Arab Emirates Military, Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

April 20, 2017

Incident Code

CI655

LOCATION

الموصل: غرب/الجانب الأيمن, Mosul, Al-Tanak, Zanjili, Farouk, Rifai, Old City and other neighborhoods, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that airstrikes of the Coalition and the Iraqi airforce on several neighbourhoods in Old Mosul, as well as artillery shelling, led to the deaths of 18 civilians. It was also reported that more than 41 civilians were injured. Correspondences Team and Al Rafidain reported 17 dead and more than 30 wounded in

Summary

First published
April 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 18
Civilians reported injured
30–41
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

September 23, 2014

Incident Code

CS001

LOCATION

كفردريان, Kafr Daryan, Idlib, Syria

On the first night of US airstrikes in Syria, the United States carried out a sequence of attacks on the Al Qaeda-affiliated Khorasan Group (part of the al-Nusra Front.) For the only recorded occasion during the allied air war, the US deployed Tomahawk cruise missiles to strike targets in the vicinity of Aleppo. Locals also

Summary

First published
September 23, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 18
(5 children5 women4–6 men)
Civilians reported injured
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
13 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

RS2580

LOCATION

البوليل, Al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between ten and 18 civilians were killed, including at least one woman, during aerial shelling of al-Bouleil, Deir Ezzor, local sources reported, though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime was to blame. Many sources reported simultaneously about airstrikes in both the towns of al-Bouleil and Toub that day, reporting a total of

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 18
(1 woman3 men)
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

April 6, 2017

Incident Code

CI615

LOCATION

الموصل: الزنجيلي, Mosul, Al-Zinjili, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that a mother and her two children were killed in an airstrike on her house in Zanjili neighbourhood, in West Mosul. Mosul Eye blamed the Coalition for the strike. Other sources did not report who was responsible. See News (Facebook) put the death toll at 13, possibly also referring to other incidents

Summary

First published
April 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 18
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
0–60
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

September 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS002

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Up to 18 non-combatants were reported killed at Talbiseh by Russian aircraft in their first day of bombing in Syria. Paramedic Omar Al Daqa, based at one of Talbiseh’s field hospitals, told VDC: “Around 10am, Russian warplanes launched several fierce airstrikes, targeting a number of neighbourhoods with vacuum missiles, including: Karameh, Bareed and Mashjer streets,

Summary

First published
September 30, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 18
(4–5 children2 women12 men)
Civilians reported injured
65–72
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
18 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS420

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal Islah neighbourhood, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between six and 18 civilians including two children were killed – and 15 others injured – in airstrikes on Al Buliyal, according to local sources. Most sources alleged that Russian forces carried out the strikes, though an initial report by Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently said that regime warplanes were responsible – but subsequent reports by

Summary

First published
January 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 18
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
15
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, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1291

LOCATION

خان طومان, Khan Touman, Aleppo, Syria

Between 14 and 18 civilians, mostly emergency doctors and nurses, were killed in an attack on a medical centre in Khan Tuman, Aleppo, local sources reported. Most reports alleged Russian warplanes were responsible for the attack, which specifically targeted the centre. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights also pointed to the regime in some

Summary

First published
September 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 18
(10 men)
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
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2017

Incident Code

CI770

LOCATION

المشاهدة, Mosul, Meshada, Nineveh, Iraq

A field report by PBS Newshour found that 12 civilians – all members of one family – had died in a likely Coalition airstrike on Meshada. In August 2019 the Coalition announced that they had assessed this allegation of civilian to be non-credible. Their monthly civilian casualty report noted: “After a review of all available

Summary

First published
June 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18
(7 children)
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 15, 2016

Incident Code

CI201

LOCATION

باب لكش, Mosul, Bab Laksh, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said at least four and as many as 13 civilians were killed and 25 injured including children and women after alliance jets struck residential apartments used by displaced people in the Alaymen district of eastern Mosul. The National Iraqi News Agency reported: “residents said that international coalition aircraft bombed a residential compound belonging

Summary

First published
March 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 18
(3 children5 women)
Civilians reported injured
5–30
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

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1545

LOCATION

معربو, Ma'arbo, Idlib, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, between ten and 18 civilians were killed, including 13 children, and up to 40 more people were injured by air and/or artillery strikes targeting the town of Ma’arbo in the southern countryside of Idlib, according to local media. Activist Ayman al-Hussein told ARA News that “at least ten civilians

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 18
(13 children)
Civilians reported injured
7–40
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

March 15, 2018

Incident Code

TS276

LOCATION

ترينيدة, Trinide village or Ashrafiyeh neighbourhood, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

At least five civilians including three children and two women died in alleged Turkish artillery and/or air strikes on Afrin, local media in Syria reported – though there was some uncertainty about the location. Rudaw put the death toll as high as 18. According to Hawar, the Turkish occupation planes bombed the village of Trinide

Summary

First published
March 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 18
(3 children2 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS774

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 18 civilians including two children died in airstrikes on Al Kalassa, according to local sources. While most blamed the regime, others alleged that Russia was responsible. At least eight died when “suspected Russian warplanes missiles” fired on the neighborhood, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. In a later report it put

Summary

First published
April 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 18
(2 children)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1517

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqib, Idlib, Syria

Between two and 18 civilians including one child and up to four women died and as many as 50 others were wounded in airstrikes on Saraqib, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear from reports whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame for the event. The lowest estimate of

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
December 21, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 18
(1 child2–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
10–50
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
City
View Incident

Incident date

October 23, 2015

Incident Code

RS070

LOCATION

تلبيسة, Talbisah, Homs, Syria

Eighteen civilians were killed in heavy airstrikes on Talbiseh, all from the Aloush and Swais families. Nine children were among the dead following at least three air raids. Graphic footage shows bombs being dropped in the centre of the town, followed by desperate rescue operations. Opinion was divided on whether the attacks were by Russian

Summary

First published
October 23, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18
(9 children5 women5 men)
Civilians reported injured
24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
18 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 15, 2017

Incident Code

CS695

LOCATION

السكرية, Sukariya, Al Bukamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between six and 17 civilians died and dozens more were injured in an airstrike on Sukariya area, according to local media. While most sources blamed the Coalition, one alleged that the Iraqi air force was responsible. @ALAMAWI and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights were among sources that reported the death of a family of

Summary

First published
April 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 17
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2018

Incident Code

RS3206

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

Between nine and 17 civilians were killed, and an unspecified number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Zamalka, local media reported. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the raids. The lowest death toll was given as nine by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. But other sources put it higher. According

Summary

First published
March 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 17
(17 men)
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2803

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria

As many as 17 civilians were killed – including ten who were named – as well as 6 or more wounded, in internationally banned Napalm and Phosphorous airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, according to local media. Sources blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime for the “air and artillery strikes” which were conducted in the vicinity.

Summary

First published
December 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(2–4 children6–7 women)
Civilians reported injured
6
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 13, 2016

Incident Code

CI371

LOCATION

حي السكر, Mosul, Sukkar, Nineveh, Iraq

According to local sources, up to 17 people were killed as a result of airstrikes on their homes in the Sukkar (Sugar) district, Mosul. The bodies were pulled from the rubble on January 8th, 2017. Airwars contacted the Canadian-based elder brother of the family, who provided 11 names, photos and ages of eleven victims. All

Summary

First published
December 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 17
(4–5 children1–2 women4 men)
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, Iraq Government Forces
Named victims
11 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS951

LOCATION

السباهية, Western neighbourhoods, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 17 civilians died in various neighbourhoods across Raqqa in either Coalition airstrikes or artillery shelling, local media reported. According to Baladi, “Coalition aircraft launched several air raids on the city of Raqqa, including more than ten raids where the coalition used white phosphorus bombs, banned internationally, for the second day in a row.

Summary

First published
June 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 17
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS436

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Saif al Dawla, Raqqa, Raqqa, Syria

Seventeen civilians including eight children and five women died in airstrikes on the Saif al Dawla area of Raqqa, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were to blame. RBSS initially referred to raids by “warplanes” and did not identify them, however, in a later

Summary

First published
January 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(8 children5 women5 men)
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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
17 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2016

Incident Code

RS756

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between nine and 17 civilians including one woman and two children died in airstrikes on neighborhoods of Deir Ezzor, according to local sources. While some reports allege that this was the work of Russia, one other blames the Assad regime with yet others not attributing responsibility. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that Russian

Summary

First published
April 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 17
(2 children1 woman9 men)
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
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2015

Incident Code

RS061

LOCATION

سرمين, Sarmin, Idlib, Syria

Russian airstrikes killed at least 14 non-combatants according to multiple accounts. The first strike at 1pm hit near a school and a field hospital in the town of Sarmin run by the Syrian-American Medical Society (SAMS.) A secondary strike or ‘double tap – captured on camera – shows an apparently deliberate attack on rescue workers

Summary

First published
October 20, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility, School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 17
(13 men)
Civilians reported injured
28–30
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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1327

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 17 civilians including women and children died and 10 more were wounded in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa, according to local media. Most sources put the death toll at six with 10 more injured and blamed a “US bombing” of Raqqa neighbourhoods. However, on August 5th the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights “documented

Summary

First published
August 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 17
(2–7 children1–5 women)
Civilians reported injured
10
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

September 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1360

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi, Aleppo, Syria

Between four and 17 civilians were reportedly killed in the Al Ma’adi neighbourhood in Aleppo – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the result of Russian airstrikes or shelling by the Syrian regime. Syriansnews reported the attack as a joint action: “Seventeen civilians were killed on Wednesday [Sept 28th] and dozens were

Summary

First published
September 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 17
(3 children)
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS1036

LOCATION

ضهرة عواد, Dahrat Awwad, Aleppo, Syria

Alleged Russian warplanes and/or Assad regime helicopters were both reported to have dropped missiles on the neighbourhood of Dahrat Awwad, killing between 10 and 17 civilians and wounding at least 15 more. According to Ara News, 13 civilians were killed and “10s were injured”. A local news source put the number of killed civilians as

Summary

First published
July 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 17
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
15
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