Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

RS3475

Incident date

June 27, 2018

Location

الطيبة, al Tayba, Dara'a, Syria

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that up to 13 civilians including at least three children were killed and others also including children injured in Russian forces or Syrian regime forces airstrikes on Al Taybah in Dara’a on June 27th, 2018. Daraa Martyrs Documentation Office said that ten of the victims are from the same family.

SMART News said “13 civilians were killed Wednesday as a result of a Russian air strike on the town of Taybeh in the province of Daraa, south of Syria.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that many of those injured are in critical conditions and that many civilians are still missing and their fate is unknown.

Daraa Martyrs Documentation Office reported that “Syrian warplanes launched a raid on the town of Taybeh in the eastern village of Daraa, targeting civilian sites inhabited by displaced persons from Daraa al-Balad , Which resulted in the massacre of thirteen martyrs, including ten martyrs from one family.  Daraa Martyrs Documentation Office documented the martyrdom of:Ahmed Awad Abazid and three of his daughters and four of his grandchildren and two of his sons in law, in addition to two martyrs, one of them a child from al Tayba and another unidentified child.”

From their side, Shaam Network blamed Russian warplanes for that. “Russian warplanes committed a new massacre in the eastern village of Daraa, where aircraft raided civilian houses and residential neighborhoods in the town of Taybeh. Activists pointed out that the Russian aircraft targeted the town several raids, which led to the death of 7 martyrs who are displaced people from al Gharya,Al Gharbiya mostly children.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the operation is joint between Russian forces and the Syrian regime as they said ” the regime forces continue their targeting to Daraa countryside, deliberately expanding, with the support of the Russian warplanes.”

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that ” At least 9 civilians, most of them from the same family, killed as Syrian/ Russian regime warplanes fired missiles on al Tayba village in Daraa governorate southeastern suburbs, on June 27, 2018.”

The sources said seven of the civilians reported killed are IDPs from al Gharya and Local Coordination Committees of Syria said the seven victims are from the same family.

White Helmets published a video on Facebook in which their volunteers were rescuing a child who was under the rubble. Shaam News said the Russian warplanes raided civilians houses and residential areas, and that civil defense volunteers were not able to respond quickly because of the intensity of the bombing.

A civil defense spokesperson told SMART Agency that “Russian warplanes launched raids on residential neighborhoods in the town, killing 13 civilians and wounding four others, as civil defense teams recovered the victims and moved the wounded to nearby hospitals.”

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (10)

female Daughter of Ahmad Awad Abazid Al-Rantisi killed
female Daughter of Ahmad Awad Abazid Al-Rantisi killed
Child of Youssef Ayyash طفل يوسف عياش
killed
Child of Youssef Ayyash طفل يوسف عياش
killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 13
  • (3–6 children3 women3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (19) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Images of children injured or killed in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Tayba on June 28, 2018 (via Daraa Martyrs Documentation Office)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Images of children injured or killed in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Tayba on June 28, 2018 (via Daraa Martyrs Documentation Office)
  • Image of the damage to a building caused by alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Tayba on June 28, 2018 (via Daraa Martyrs Documentation Office)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Images of children injured or killed in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Tayba on June 28, 2018 (via Daraa Martyrs Documentation Office)
  • Image of the damage to a building caused by alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Tayba on June 28, 2018 (via Syrian Network for Human Rights)
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    Image of a child injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Tayba on June 28, 2018 (via Syrian Network for Human Rights)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • "At least 13 civilians were killed, most of them women and children, and a number of others were wounded in a horrific massacre carried out by Russian warplanes that targeted civilian homes in the town of Al-Taybeh in the eastern countryside of Daraa this evening, Wednesday."
  • A civilian reported killed in airstrikes on Taybah in Dara'a on June 27th, 2018 (via Rabi’ Khalaf ).
  • A civilian reported killed in airstrikes on Taybah in Dara'a on June 27th, 2018 (via Rabi’ Khalaf ).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of a child killed in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Taybah in Dara'a on June 27th, 2018 (via Hamza Ali al Khateeb).
  • A child killed in alleged Russian forces or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Taybah in Dara'a on June 27th, 2018 (via @qaboodabood).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Taybah in Dara'a on June 27th, 2018 (via @qaboodabood )
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    "A massacre committed by Russian aircraft in the town of Taybeh in the eastern countryside of Daraa."
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    "Syria Activists: the death toll from the Russian air bombardment on the town of Taybeh in the eastern Daraa countryside has risen to 13, including children."
  • Khaled Mahmoud Ibrahim Hoshan Ayyash and Youssef Mahmoud Ibrahim Hoshan Ayyash, two brothers, were reported killed with their wives and children in Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on Al Taybah in Dara'a on June 27th, 2018 (via Martyrs Daraa Albalad ).

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 13
  • (3–6 children3 women3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1863

Incident date

January 26, 2017

Location

حوايج بومصعة, Hawaij Bu Mas'a, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.0528105, 40.4941326 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unspecific number of civilians were wounded following an alleged Russian raid on Hawaij Bu Mas’a. There are no reports of any civilian deaths. Additionally, all reporting blamed Russia for the strikes.

There are no other details at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Russian Military

Russia has not reported any specific strikes between January 1st – 31st 2017.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS584

Incident date

January 7, 2023

Location

الخالدية, Al Khalidiyah, Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

36.418139, 38.809811 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On January 7th 2023, a child was reportedly wounded in a Turkish drone attack on Al-Khalidiyah village, Ain Issa district. He was identified as 10 years old Ali Khalifa Al-Ali. Sources added that he was injured in his left hand and was taken to hospital for treatment. Local sources reported the attack between 1 and 1:30 pm.

The incident occured between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Ali Khalifa Al-Ali علي خليفة العلي
10 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Picture of the child reportedly injured by a Turkish drone strike in Al-Khalidiyah village Photo: ANHA English
  • The child Ali Khalifa Al-Ali allegedly injured in his left hand following a reported Turkish drone attack on January 7th 2023. Photo: وجيه درباس__Wecîh derbas

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Khalidiyah (الخالدية), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.418139, 38.809811. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RUK088

Incident date

March 30, 2022

Location

Харків, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Geolocation

49.982893, 36.270036 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man was killed by alleged Russian shelling of Kharkiv on the night of March 30, 2022.

Helsinki.org.ua reported that the father of a famous badminton player was killed during night shelling in Kharkiv. Tsn.ua added that the badminton player participated in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

The son of the man killed released a statement that “It is very difficult to see what is happening now in my hometown, where I have lived since 2007. I watch the news, talk to friends. Kharkiv is being destroyed by Russian troops! I have no words at all; it hurts so much… especially after what happened with my father. He was killed. My mother and grandmother are still in Kharkiv. They don’t want to move from Kharkiv.”

Champion News and other local sources attributed the shelling to Russian forces.

This incident has ACLED’s reference code: UKR54612.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Kharkiv (Харків), for which the generic coordinates are: 49.982893, 36.270036. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS3586

Incident date

February 10, 2019

Location

اللطامنة, Al Lataminah, Hama, Syria

Airwars assessment

A 38-year-old-man was reported wounded by artillery shelling in Al Lataminah, in the north of Hama. Some sources blamed the Russian forces while others blamed regime forces.

No further details are known at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 attackers
    Unknown, Unknown

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Mahmoud Sattouf al-Dahrouj (38), injured (via @OKKO5Lc4iNiZH6S).

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 attackers
    Unknown, Unknown

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RUK097

Incident date

April 4, 2022

Location

Кулиничі, Kulinichi, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Geolocation

49.986288, 36.387795 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the early morning hours of April 4th, 2022, suspected Russian shells fell upon the village of Kulinichi in Kharkiv, injuring three civilians.

XC_Kharkiv reported that “a kindergarten, a hospital and about five houses were destroyed.” Additionally, the three wounded were removed from the rubble left behind by the shells.

Telegram accounts Huyovy_Kharkiv and XC_Kharkiv attributed shelling of the village of Kulinichi to Russian forces. Huyovy_Kharkiv pointed out Russian claims that they are “demilitarizing” alongside images of damage to buildings.

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Damage caused by alleged Russian shelling of the village of Kulinichi on April 4, 2022. (Image posted by Huyovy_Kharkiv)
  • Damage caused by alleged Russian shelling of the village of Kulinichi on April 4, 2022. (Image posted by Huyovy_Kharkiv)
  • Damage caused by alleged Russian shelling of the village of Kulinichi on April 4, 2022. (Image posted by Huyovy_Kharkiv)
  • Damage caused by alleged Russian shelling of the village of Kulinichi on April 4, 2022. (Image posted by Huyovy_Kharkiv)
  • Damage caused by alleged Russian shelling of the village of Kulinichi on April 4, 2022. (Image posted by Huyovy_Kharkiv)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Kulinichi (Кулиничі), for which the generic coordinates are: 49.986288, 36.387795. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CI557

Incident date

March 18, 2017

Location

Mosul, Risala, West Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.331578, 43.088901 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Coalition) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, on September 1st 2017 the Coalition said it had concluded an assessment on claims of civilian harm “near Mosul, Iraq” via an NGO report. According to the Coalition report, “March 18, 2017, near Mosul, Iraq, via NGO report:After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.”

The Coalition shared the location of this assessed strike with Airwars. The location was stated as the Risala district in West Mosul.

Puk Media quoted a report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Seven displaced persons were interviewed, who said that their house in in al Risala district “was completely destroyed by the aerial bombardments”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient evidence of civilian harm
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Mosul, Iraq
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    38SLF2847122421
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 1, 2017
  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient evidence to find that civilians were harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For March 17th-18th the Coalition reported: “Near Mosul, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed 56 ISIS vehicles, 25 fighting positions, five rocket-propelled grenade systems, two medium machine guns, two mortar systems, and an ISIS VBIED; and suppressed 20 ISIS mortar teams and four ISIS tactical units.”

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Discounted
    Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RUK100

Incident date

April 6, 2022

Location

Балаклія, Balakliia, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Geolocation

49.462248, 36.857606 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A suspected Russian attack reportedly killed three civilians in Balakleya, Kharkiv the afternoon of April 6, 2022.

The Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Group detailed how Russian troops shelled residential buildings, resulting in destroyed homes, and killing three civilians. NV News reported that a criminal case was opened for violation of laws and customs combined with premeditated murder (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Gordon news quoted the head of the Kharkiv regional military administration Oleg Sinegubov as saying, “As a result of yesterday’s artillery shelling in Balakleya killed three people, many houses destroyed.” he also noted that it is believed that Russia launched 48 strikes against the region.

Two sources challenged these reports. Economy Today claimed that Ukrainian forces shelled Izyum, and Russian forces helped to evacuate patients with chronic diseases and others in need of special assistance. Kharkov Nash, a Ukrainian Telegram channel based in Kharkiv with local correspondents in the city, used the social media platform to accuse Ukrainian forces of killing their own civilians due to “firing indiscriminately” and that Russian soldiers located in Balakleya are continuously shelled by Ukrainian forces, and the Russian troops “can do almost nothing” to repel the Ukrainians.

This incident has reference to ACLED’s code UKR55200.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Ukrainian Military, Ukrainian Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Screenshot of Facebook post by Olena Kulik
  • Screenshot of Facebook post by Oleh Sinegubov
  • Damage to a building caused by alleged Russian shelling of Balakliia on April 6, 2022. (Image posted by Truexa News UA via Telegram)
  • Damage caused by alleged Russian shelling of Balakliia on April 6, 2022. (Image posted by Larsya Bodareva Mediyniy Zmiiv via Facebook)
  • Screenshot of Facebook post by Larsya Bodareva Mediyniy Zmiiv

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Balakliia ( Балаклія), for which the generic coordinates are: 49.462248, 36.857606. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Ukrainian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Ukrainian Military
  • Ukrainian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Ukrainian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Ukrainian Military
  • Ukrainian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Russian Military, Ukrainian Military, Ukrainian Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]