Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

May 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS216

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Shaam News reported that an ‘entire family‘ was injured in an alleged Coalition evening airstrike on Al Mayadeen. No additional details are presently known. Responding to a request for clarification about possible involvement given declared UK strikes in Deir Ezzor that day, the MoD told Airwars that “after extensive research, we can confirm that there

Summary

First published
May 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2016

Incident Code

CI240

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, East, Nineveh, Iraq

A reported Coalition strike on the home of an ISIL fighter in Mosul also allegedly killed his wife and children, according to local reports. NRN News, citing a source in the east of the occupied city, reported: “The Daesh fighter was standing at the door of his home when the first missile struck him and

Summary

First published
May 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(2–4 children1 woman)
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 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS805

LOCATION

كفر حلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo, Syria

It was reported that nine female farmers died when remains of cluster bombs allegedly fired by Russia exploded. Al Jisr TV also reported this information, but said this occurred in Kafr Hamra – which is possibly a mistake. Because of near-identical copy by all media, this is presently classed as a weakly reported incident.  

Summary

First published
May 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(9 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 21, 2016

Incident Code

CI239a

LOCATION

القيارة, Qayarrah, Nineveh, Iraq

According to a field investigation conducted by reporters Azmah Khan and Anand Gopal for the New York Times Magazine, one civilian was killed by a Coalition airstrike on an ISIS courthouse in Qayyarah. According to the reporters, the following occurred: “On or near May 21, 2016, an airstrike struck a house being used by ISIS

Summary

First published
May 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

May 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS804

LOCATION

صلاح القرية‬, Salah al Qariya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five to six civilians including two children and two to three women died in airstrikes on Salah al Qariya area, in Albu Umar according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. LCCSY reported the death of four civilians in what they

Summary

First published
May 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
(1 child2 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
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 20, 2016

Incident Code

CS215

LOCATION

أرشاف, Al Arshaf, Intersection of roads, Aleppo, Syria

Up to ten civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition evening strike at Al Arshaf village on the outskirts of Ekhitrin town, in the northern Aleppo countryside. Syria Urgent initially said 6 civilians died – 4 women and two men – with another four injured “following an American raid.” The Syrian Observatory placed the

Summary

First published
May 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(3 children2–5 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–7
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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS803

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and between five and ten were injured in strikes on Hraytan, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network said that one civilian was killed and five were wounded in Russian strikes, “noting that

Summary

First published
May 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2016

Incident Code

CI238

LOCATION

الفلوجة‎, Fallujah, Al Anbar, Iraq

According to local sources, up to six civilians including four children were killed and 13 people injured in an alleged Coalition or Iraqi government strike on Fallujah. According to Yaqein, “four civilians including a child were killed and 12 others wounded mostly children and women. Most of them were seriously injured as a result of

Summary

First published
May 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(2–4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
13
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2016

Incident Code

CI239

LOCATION

معسكر الغزلاني, Mosul, Ghazlani, Nineveh, Iraq

A single source, Yaqen, claimed that 40 civilians were killed and injured in Coalition airstrikes on Mosul. According to the local news group, “A source said that ‘the bombing targeted areas of the Ghazlai camp project as well as the University of Mosul, and the shelling was followed by another bombing which targeted the same

Summary

First published
May 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 40
Civilians reported injured
10–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2016

Incident Code

CS214

LOCATION

الحمرات, Al Hamrat, Raqqa, Syria

A family was reported killed in a contested airstrike at Al Hamrat in Raqqa governorate. Shaam News blamed the US-led Coalition: “Activists said that aircraft believed to be from the international coalition bombed Al Hamrat in the eastern Raqqa countryside this morning, leading to the martyrdom of the family of Abdul Al Hadi Hassan Al

Summary

First published
May 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 children1 woman)
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, Russian Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2016

Incident Code

RS802 CS214

LOCATION

الحمرات, Al Hamrat (Ar Raqqah), Raqqa, Syria

Five civilians (from the same family) including three children and one woman died in airstrikes on Al Hamrat according to local sources – though reports were confused with conflicting allegations that Russian, the regime or the Coalition had carried out the attacks. Qasioun said a Russian fighter targeted residential neighborhoods in the village, resulting in

Summary

First published
May 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children1 woman)
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
Unknown, Syrian Regime, US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2016

Incident Code

LC030

LOCATION

الوشكة, Al-Wushka, Surt, Libya

According to various local sources a GNA/Misurata Air Force airstrike hit a car while targeting ISIS forces. Two members of the al-Mazoughi family, a man and his wife, were reportedly severely injured. The incident took place near the villages Al-Washka, Al-Qadihah and Zamzam. In addition, ten ISIS members were reported killed in the strike, including

Summary

First published
May 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Government of National Accord
Suspected target
ISIS - Libya
View Incident

Incident date

May 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS801

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Fifteen people or more, including up to ten children and seven women, were killed in airstrikes on Ar-Rastan during a second day of bombings on the town. Some sources blamed the Assad regime, with others only aying ‘warp[lanes’ were responsible. Multiple sources said that 13 people from the Turkmani family had died in the raids.

Summary

First published
May 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 17
(8–10 children7 women)
Civilians reported injured
27
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
15 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 17, 2016

Incident Code

RS800

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

At least three civilians including one child died in airstrikes on Ar-Rastan according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. According to LCCSY, “several” Russian raids killed five civilians and wounded more. Syria7ra also blamed Russia on Twitter. However, many other sources said the Syrian

Summary

First published
May 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2016

Incident Code

CS213

LOCATION

الشدادي, Shadadi, Al Hassakah, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the deaths of two civilians near as Shadadi. Their December 2016 civilian casualty report noted: “During a strike on seven ISIL fighters in a moving vehicle, it was assessed that two civilians were inadvertently killed. One civilian passenger in the vehicle was killed

Summary

First published
May 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2016

Incident Code

CS212

LOCATION

البوكمال, Abu Kamal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Multiple sources reported that Coalition aircraft were responsible for the deaths of up to seven members of two families following a dawn airstrike near the post office building in Al Bukamal. The target appears to have been a key Islamic State figure, whose family members died in the attack. According to Shaam News, “Activists said

Summary

First published
May 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(3 children1 woman)
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS799

LOCATION

السحل, Al Sahal, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa News 24/24 reported that a “Russian warplane” targeted the home of one of the residents of the village at 02.30am, leading to the man’s immediate death. It also said that the planes targeted the water pump east of Al Mansoura, causing material damage. Muslim Forum also reported the death of the man and said

Summary

First published
May 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS798

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

According to multiple local sources, Russian warplanes targeted farmlands in the northern and western suburbs of the town of Ar Rastan with vacuum missiles, leading to the death of one or two civilians and the wounding of several others. Sources spoke of dozens of Russian raids. Ar-Rastan media office said the civilian killed was Siham Ibrahim

Summary

First published
May 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–8
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

May 14, 2016

Incident Code

RS797

LOCATION

بابيص, Babis, Aleppo, Syria

Multiple local sources reported that two civilians were killed and up to seven people were wounded following alleged Russian or regime airstrikes on the village of Babis in the countryside of Aleppo. While most sources blamed Russia, some said the Syrian regime was responsible, and again others did not identify who carried out the raids.

Summary

First published
May 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
7
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 13, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM054

LOCATION

Southern Somalia, Bay, Somalia

In June 2016, the US reported that six weeks earlier it had struck a group of al Shabaab fighters, killing three. According to the AFRICOM statement released on June 27th 2016, “U.S. forces supporting the Federal Government of Somalia, the Somali National Army and troop contributing nations to the African Union Mission in Somalia, provided

Summary

First published
May 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3
Belligerents reported injured
0–6
View Incident

Incident date

May 12, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM053

LOCATION

Sabiid, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A US air strike reportedly killed five people – all of them said to be al Shabaab fighters. The attack was defensive and conducted to protect African troops on the ground, an Africom spokesperson told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. The Ugandan soldiers, part of the African Union peacekeeping force Amisom, were attacking a makeshift

Summary

First published
May 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

May 11, 2016

Incident Code

CS211

LOCATION

دابق‎, Dabiq, thread making workshop, Aleppo, Syria

One or more civilian non-combatants were reported killed – and at least two others injured – after an alleged Coalition air raid on the village of Dabiq. Step News, citing an Islamic State source – said seven civilians were also injured in the event. Another source said the civilian casualties occurred when a workshop for

Summary

First published
May 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
7
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, 2016

Incident Code

CI237

LOCATION

الرطبة, Ar Rutbah, Al Anbar, Iraq

According to local sources, a Coalition airstrike at Ar Rutbah resulted in the deaths of seven civilians and the injuring of an additional 13. News of Iraq reported that the attack destroyed the house of Aref Abrash in Methaq neighbourhood, and the home of Abdullah al-Fayad near the Mustafa mosque. A propaganda video issued by

Summary

First published
May 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
13
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, 2016

Incident Code

RS796

LOCATION

Ibn Khaldoun (Ar Raqqahh), Raqqa, Syria

Four or five civilians including three children and one women died in airstrikes on the Ibn Khaldoun neighborhood of Ar Raqqa, according to local sources which also said that a school was targeted – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network

Summary

First published
May 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(3 children1 woman)
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS795

LOCATION

الشحيل, Al Shaheel, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 15 civilians including four children died and up to 20 were injured in an airstrike on a health facility at Al Shaheel town, according to local sources – though reports were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Shaam News Network reported that amid intensive

Summary

First published
May 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 15
(4 children7 men)
Civilians reported injured
11–20
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
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS793

LOCATION

تقاد, Taqad, Aleppo, Syria

According to multiple local sources, three children died when the remains of a cluster bomb – allegedly earlier dropped by Russia – exploded in the town of Taqad. However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which also said three children died, blamed the regime for originally dropping the cluster bomb. Alarab News reported that “a

Summary

First published
May 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
1
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

May 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS794

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Between 10 and 14 civilians including two to three children and one woman died in an airstrike on Binnish which struck a mosque, a market and houses, according to multiple local sources. The majority of reports point to this being the work of the Assad regime, though  others, like LCCSY, alleged that Russia was responsible. Some sources

Summary

First published
May 10, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 14
(2–3 children1 woman3 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–25
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
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM052

LOCATION

Tortoroow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Kenyan and Somali forces, and their US advisors, carried out a raid on an al Shabaab checkpoint in Toratorow. The US carried out an airstrike during the operation – though initially denied doing so. Media reports said helicopters were involved, indicating that both US air and ground forces were participating. However a US spokesperson denied

Summary

First published
May 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Known belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces, Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2016

Incident Code

CS210

LOCATION

احتيملات, Ahtemlat, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians including up to 5 children died in a reported night time Coalition strike at Ahtemlat in Aleppo governorate. Graphic images showed the bodies of at least two infants being recovered. According to the Syrian Observatory, “SOHR activists were informed that no less than 4 IS including a commander were killed by aerial bombardment

Summary

First published
May 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

CS209

LOCATION

دابق‎, Dabiq, Aleppo, Syria

A 6-year old girl was reported killed in an alleged Coalition raid on the town of Dabiq, though the alliance has denied responsibility. VDC has named the victim as Sara al Naser. In its July 2017 civilian casualty report, the Coalition denied responsibility for the event, saying that it conducted no strikes nearby that day:

Summary

First published
May 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident