Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

RUK125

Incident date

April 16, 2022

Location

Ocновянський, Osnovianskyi , Kharkiv, Ukraine

Geolocation

49.987016, 36.259331 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On 16th April 2022, at 11:45 am, the Russian army allegedly launched Kalibr long-range cruise missiles at the Kharkiv region, hitting the districts of Sloboda and Osnovianskyi. Maksym Khoustov, director of the regional Department of Health, reported 18 injured.  Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, confirmed that the 18 wounded were being treated. However, Nastoyaschee vremia News reported that 30 were injured. The death toll was reported as one initially and then rose to two.

Twitter sources quoted a man whose friend was one of the people killed and he also reported that a 12 year old was wounded.

The rocket resulted in a large scale fire in an administrative building at the Osnoviansky district.  The State Emergency Services reported that 1500 square meters of the five story building were caught in the fire which also burned nine cars. The Services reported being able to evacuate 65 people in the area and firefighters put out the fire. The building was destroyed.  The rocket damaged nearby infrastructure including houses, cars, a market and shops including a pharmacy and the Proton shopping center. Suspilne News, Hromadske News, Kharkovskie izvestiya News all quoted this announcement. Vgorode and Suspile News specified that four neighbouring houses sustained damage and the market hit was a horse market. This detail was corroborated in pictures that sources submitted. Kharkiv Human Rights Union established that it had addresses for destroyed buildings but would not be publishing the information at the moment on request of the Ukranian military.

“Kharkiv Nash”, a Ukrainian Telegram channel based in Kharkiv with local correspondents in the city, acknowledged the strike but published conflicting comments about it. In one Telegram message, it claimed accounts of the damage were grossly exaggerated. In another it appeared to confirm the strike was Russian. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, investigators of the SBU Office in Kharkiv region initiated a pre-trial investigation.

This incident has ACLED reference code UKR55925.

The incident occured at 11:45:00 local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Marketplace
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    18–30
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (35) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the district of Osnovianskyi (Ocновянський). Analysing audio-visual material from sources we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 49.987016, 36.259331.

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  • Imagery:
    State Emergency Service of Ukraine

  • Imagery:
    State Emergency Service of Ukraine

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
    Marketplace
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    18–30
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISSY033

Incident date

April 29, 2023

Location

حمص, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.640616, 36.707550 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On April 29th 2023 the Israeli military reportedly launched missiles which Syrian air defence systems reportedly shot down around 12:55 am in the city of Homs, Syria. There were discrepancies in the accounts of the incident, with some sources reported that three civilians were injured while other reported that four Syrian soldiers were injured.

Local sources varied on their descriptions of the strikes and their resulting damage. Most accounts corroborate the timeline of the missile being launched at midnight and shot down, igniting a petrol station, fuel tankers and trucks.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) also claimed that a munitions depot, under Hezbollah control was hit. SOHR – quoted in Aaswat News, Bladipresse, and Achrafieh News – verified that the missiles hit after midnight but claimed that it struck an ammunition depot belonging to the Lebanese “Hezbollah,” in the area of the Dabaa military airport in the countryside of Homs, which led to its complete destruction, as well as weapons trucks. There were a few accounts by the Observatory, including one claim by sources that the “the gas station belongs to a person affiliated with the Lebanese “Hezbollah”. The Observatory later reported that the incident injured “four Syrian soldiers, and destroying a truck carrying weapons belonging to (Hezbollah).” SOHR also reported that “violent explosions were heard as a result of the explosion of the ammunition stored in the warehouse, and fires were seen burning at the site, without information about human losses so far.”

A tweet from @aabnour quoted Intel Times Hebrew that identified the location as “a military convoy belonging to the Lebanese Hezbollah, which was parked at the “Shahr Al-Alewi” gas station near the town of Shinshar on the Damascus-Aleppo road.”

Military sources, who were quoted by Aaswat News, Syrian Arab News Agency (Syrian regime-controlled news), BBC, Almehwar News and other media, claimed that three civilians were injured. Social media posts captured the fire outbreaks.

According to an Israeli website quoted on Halab Today TV,  the missile was prompted by an “Antonov 74” medium sized Iranian cargo plane’s activity in the area.  The IDF did not comment officially on this strike. Homs is near three air defense bases, one of which is in Shinshar, and two are near the suburb of Al-Andalus.

The incident occured between 12:00 am and 12:55 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Gas facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–3
  • 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 attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Hezbollah
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–4

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Alleged Israeli strikes on Homs on April 29, 2023. (Posted by Achrafieh News)
  • Location of the strike, posted by @HalabTodayTV.
  • Alleged Israeli strikes on Homs on April 29, 2023. (Image posted by Lebanese-forces)
  • Location of the strike, provided by Intel Times Hebrew and posted by @aabnour
  • Alleged Israeli strikes on Homs on April 29, 2023. (Image posted by @AlarabyTV)
  • Israel bombed weapons depots in Homs, Syria, tonight. The bombing was the heaviest in years
  • From #Homs, last night - side effects indicate what was in storage

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention an vehicles being struck in the vicinity of Shaher Alolaiwi Station (محطة شاهر العليوي). According to research conducted by @aabnour, the potential location of this strike is: 34.640616, 36.707550. Cross referencing evidence from audio-visual material from sources, we are however unable to confirm it as an exact location due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Gas facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–3
  • 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 attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Hezbollah
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–4

Incident Code

CI362

Incident date

December 6, 2016

Location

Mosul, near al Salem hospital, Iraq

Airwars assessment

The Coalition mistakenly hit Iraqi forces during an airstrike near al Salem hospital in Mosul, according to some local sources.

Iraqi Spring Media Center reported that the Coalition mistakenly targeted” government forces near Salam Hospital in the southeast of Mosul. And Sputnik News claimed that US Air Force bombs left 90 Iraqi military members dead and more than 100 wounded.

The Coalition later issued a statement: On Dec. 6th, Iraqi Security Forces attempted to seize the Al Salem hospital complex from ISIL fighters in the heart of East Mosul. ISIL was using the hospital as a base of operations and command and control headquarters. After seizing the area, the ISF fought off several counterattacks and six VBIEDs the following day before retrograding a short distance, under heavy enemy fire, to strengthen their position. On Dec. 7th, after Iraqi forces continued to receive heavy and sustained machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire from ISIL fighters in a building on the hospital complex, they requested immediate support from the Coalition. In support of the Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition aircraft conducted a precision strike on the location to target enemy fighters firing on Iraqi forces. The Coalition complies with the Law of Armed Conflict and takes all feasible precautions during the planning and execution of airstrikes to reduce the risk of harm to non-combatants. We will continue to strike ISIL military targets in support of our partners in order to defeat ISIL in Iraq.

Awaiting clarification on whether friendly forces were engaged.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For December 5th-6th, the Coalition reported “Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed nine ISIL-held buildings, four mortar systems, two VBIEDs, a vehicle, a heavy machine gun, two repeater tower power stations, and a land bridge; damaged a bridge, a front-end loader, 47 roads; and suppressed a tactical unit.“

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM389

Incident date

June 16, 2023

Location

14 km from Jamame district, Lower Jubba, Somalia

Airwars assessment

43 al-Shabaab militants were killed by alleged US airstrikes near Jamaane District in Lower Jubba on June 16, 2023.

Garowe Online reported that airstrike carried out by the US struck a location where al-Shabaab militants were holding a meeting in Jamaane District in Lower Jubba, killing “several” militants. @SONNALIVE specified that the airstrikes occurred around 6:15pm in an area 14 km from Jamaane District, resulting in “heavy loss of life and many injuries.”

A tweet from @dhoorebbc identified Adan Abdirahman and Idiris Abdirahim Nur, a Kenyan National, as two top al-Shabaab officials who were killed by the US airstrike and Somali special forces near Jamaane town.

The Somali National News Agency (SONNA), quoted by VOA News, later reported that in addition to the two al-Shabaab leaders, a total of 43 al-Shabaab fighters were killed by the airstrike. According to SONNA, the militants were meeting to plan attacks against Barsanguni military base, which is home to the Somali National Army and local forces.

A tweet from @GaroweOnline pointed out that the strikes occurred just days after the head of AFRICOM visited Jubaland and met with President Ahmed Madobe on counterterrorism.

The incident occured at 18:15:00 local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    43

Sources (11) [ collapse]

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    43

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEM120-B

Incident date

August 10, 2012

Location

جعار, Jaar, Abyan, Yemen

Geolocation

13.217814, 45.307025 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged US drone attack killed 3 Al Qaeda militants and injured “many” who were gathering in a farm on the outskirts of Jaar in Abyan Province on the 10th of August 2012 in the evening. There are no current reports of civilian harm.

The farm which is where the militants were supposedly meeting was said to belong to a jihadist leader named Khaled Abdel-Nabi according to Adengad who were told by local residents. It is unknown whether he was amongst those who died.

Press TV and other local sources identified three Al Qaeda militants as being killed, while Adengad and @morageeb reported that an unspecified number of militants were injured. Locals told Adengad that the bombing was specifically targeting the farm and that the “bombing was violent, which prompted the people of the city to sit in their homes for fear of harm”.

@BaFana3 reported that the strike took place at 7pm local time and Adengad noted that the “violent explosion” occurred after sunset prayer time, with @ionacraig pointing out that since the strike happened after dark, it was carried out by the US (due to their more advanced capabilities).

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3
  • Belligerents reported injured
    5–10

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Jaar (جعار), for which the generic coordinates are: 13.217814, 45.307025. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3
  • Belligerents reported injured
    5–10

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

R4536

Incident date

August 5, 2023

Location

الطريق الواصل بين عين شيب ومدينة إدلب, the linking road between Idlib and Ain Sheep, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

On August 5th, 2023, three civilians were killed and seven injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on residences along a road which links Idlib to the village of Ain Sheeb. The strikes occurred between 11:02 a.m. and 11:11 a.m. local time.

According to Syria Civil Defence (SCD), the first strike struck a residential house, located on a farm along the road at 11:02 a.m. The attack killed Absi Muhammad Sami Balsha (54), his wife Ibtisam Suleiman (40), and their son Ahmed Balsha (17).

A second strike hit the same location at 11:04 a.m.

The third strike occurred at 11:11 a.m. and struck a nearby residence, while humanitarian and medical workers—including some affiliated with Syrian Civil Defense—were rescuing injured civilians, per SCD News. The Syrian Network for Human Rights independently reported that this final attack wounded one aid worker.

Seven people were injured in the strikes: Abd al-Rahman Jazairi; Yahya Kayali; Mohamed Sabreen; Muhammad Abbas Benshi; his wife, Raghad Noman; and Omar Jamali. This list of victims is corroborated by Violations Documentation Center, Hdhod News, SCD News, and multiple independent reporters, among other sources. According to the Violet Organisation, the leader of its Idlib ambulance team, Abdul Aziz Natour, also sustained a minor injury.

Al-Marsad 80 and the Syrian Opposition Air Traffic Tracking Observatory reported that Russian forces launched the attack; on August 5th, two Russian Su-34 fighter jets left Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia to conduct raids across Idlib governorate. The Violations Documentation Center was the only source that accused the Syrian regime of carrying out the airstrikes.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights also suggested that the farm housed the headquarters of a local faction of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

The incident occured between 11:02 am and 11:11 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Absi Muhammad Sami Balsha بسي بن محمد سامي بلشة
54 years old male killed
Ibtisam Suleiman ابتسام بنت احمد سليمان
40 years old female killed
Ahmed Balsha أحمد بن عبسي بلشة
17 years old male killed

Family members (2)

Muhammad Abbas Benshi محمد عباس بنشي
male injured
Raghad Noman رغد نعمان
female wife of Muhammad injured

The victims were named as:

Abd al-Rahman Jazairi عبد الرحمن جزائري
Age unknown injured
Yahya Kayali يحيى كيالي
Age unknown injured
Mohamed Sabreen محمد صابرين
Age unknown injured
Omar Jamali عمر جمالي
Age unknown injured
Abdul Aziz Natour
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • 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, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda/HTS

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (19) [ collapse]

  • Civil defense volunteers respond to alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Civil defense volunteers respond to alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Civil defense volunteers respond to alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Civil defense volunteers respond to alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Aerial photography showing the moments when Russian warplanes carried out air strikes targeting farms, buildings, and civilian homes, on the road between Idlib and Ain Sheeb, today, Saturday, August 5, killing 3 civilians (a man, his wife, and their son) and wounding 6 people, including a woman.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The first moments of our teams' response to Russian air raids targeted farms, buildings, and civilian homes, on the road connecting the city of Idlib and Ain Sheeb, today, Saturday, August 5, killing 3 civilians (a man, his wife, and their son) and wounding 6 people, including a woman.
  • Civil defense volunteers respond to alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Civil defense volunteers respond to alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @SyriaCivilDefe)
  • Civil defense volunteers respond to alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @Shadi_Alhasan_)
  • Damage caused by alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @YeniSafakArabic)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victims of alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @YeniSafakArabic)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victims of alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @YeniSafakArabic)
  • Victims of alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @YeniSafakArabic)
  • Alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by @mohamed_owaid)
  • Alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by Yaya via Facebook)
  • Absi Muhammad Sami Balsha and his son Ahmed Balsha, killed by alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by Muhammad Absi Balsha, son of Absi, via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victim of alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by Mahio via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Abdel Aziz, a paramedic injured by alleged Russian strikes near Idlib on August 5, 2023. (Image posted by Kutaibasayed, via Facebook)

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 infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • 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, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected target
    Al Qaeda/HTS

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM403

Incident date

September 6, 2023

Location

Oodweyn, Galmudug, Somalia

Geolocation

4.888, 46.5106 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to seven civilians, including up to five children and a woman, were killed and up to five others, including children, were injured during an operation that has been declared by the Somali government. The US has denied directly participating in the operation despite accusations of US drone/air strikes, while the Somali government has denied responsibility for the civilian casualties. The operation occurred in Oodweyn village on September 6, 2023.

Reuters reported that a suspected drone strike resulted in the death of five civilians and three al-Shabaab militants after the militants hid in a civilian home containing a family. Reuters quoted Somalia’s state news agency SONNA which reported that a woman and two children were killed by a landmine that was hidden in a civilian home by al-Shabaab militants. Local leader Farah Aden told Reuters that one of the militants knew the owner of the home and “They were seated outside the house and were busy enjoying meat and rice. As they ate the meat, the drone struck them. The house was not struck and civilians were not targeted. The civilians were hit by the shrapnel of the bomb.”

However, Amal Ali, a relative of the victims, told AP that the airstrike targeted an al-Shabaab vehicle as it was passing near a family home, killing a grandmother and five of her grandchildren, and the children’s father Dahir Ahmed confirmed the incident but not the details. The grandfather of the children, Ahmed Mohamud Shuuke, told VOA Somali that the children – four boys by his son and a girl from his daughter – were staying with his wife (their grandmother) the night of the strikes, and that he and the children’s parents were away that night. Shuuke said that “This disaster came upon them, and we don’t know where it came from” but that he thought that there had been an airstrike. He added that there were tracks of vehicles at the site of the incident the morning after, and that “Their bodies have been taken away. Up to now we don’t know their whereabouts,” including any surviving relatives.

Abdifatah Ali Halane, secretary-general of the El-Garas administration, told AP that the incident was a US airstrike and that the airstrike killed three people, including two al-Shabaab members, and injured five people, including four children. @AUC31 reported that seven civilians had been killed.

Al-Shabaab’s Politics & Provinces Office released a statement accusing the US of carrying out airstrikes and a ground raid at 10pm, which killed six civilians, including four children from the same family, a female relative, and their grandmother: Mus’ab Daahir Ahmed (3 years old), Abdirahman Daahir Ahmed (4 years old), Abdi Mahad Daahir Ahmed (5 years old), Abdiqani Daahir Ahmed (7 years old), Ikhlaas Ahmad (7 years old), Kaaha Takar Warsame (60 years old). The attack also resulted in wounded livestock.

The Somali Ministry of Information confirmed that an operation carried out in West El-lahelay resulted in the death of al-Shabaab militants Olol Ali Guled, the head of the al-Shabaab’s insurgent militia in Galmudug, Shuuke Ali Dheeg and Isse Barre. Shabelle Media Network reported that a total of five al-Shabaab militants, including Olol, were killed in the “joint” military operation between the Somali government and foreign partners.

AFRICOM released a statement two days after the operation, on September 8th, denying their responsibility for the civilian casualties: “On September 6, 2023, a Somali national force conducted a counter-terrorism operation in the vicinity of El-Lahelay, Somalia. The command’s initial assessment is that three al Shabaab leaders were killed as a result of the operation and, unfortunately, civilians were injured and killed in the vicinity of the operation. U.S. forces were not onsite for the operation and did not conduct air strikes during or in support of the operation. In response to a request from the Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command medically evacuated injured civilians. The claim being spread by al Shabaab that U.S. forces caused the unfortunate harm to civilians is false.”

Major Jessica Tait from AFRICOM told VOA in an email that “The command’s initial assessment is that one woman and three children were killed at the site,” she said. “At the request of the government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command medically evacuated two injured children, with one surviving.” Tait added that US forces “did not fire at any time while conducting the medical evacuation.” Minister of Information Daud Aweis told VOA Somali that “The government has received reports that civilians were hurt. An investigation is ongoing to verify that. We can’t confirm yet until the investigation is done.”

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Mus'ab Daahir Ahmed
3 years old killed
Abdirahman Daahir Ahmed
4 years old killed
Abdi Mahad Daahir Ahmed
5 years old killed
Abdiqani Daahir Ahmed
7 years old killed
Ikhlaas Ahmad
7 years old killed
Kaaha Takar Warsame
60 years old female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike, Ground operation
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 7
  • (3–5 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–5
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Somali Military Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–3

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Location of operation/airstrikes on September 6, 2023. (Image posted by @HarunMaruf)
  • Statement from Somali government with reads: THE GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA EXPOSED THREE SENIOR LEADERS WHO WERE EXCLUSIONS Mogadishu, September 07, 2023: In a special operation carried out by the National Army and the People's Defense Forces, three leaders who were responsible for the extra-religious activities of the Khawarij in Galmudug were killed. The raid that took place last night in West El-La Helay killed Ali Guled, who was the leader of the organization of the Kharijite rebels, Shuuke Ali Dheeg and Isse Barre who were also two wanted criminals. The mission was expertly negotiated and executed who broke the back of the Khawarij in general especially those hiding in Galmudug. The Somali government is grateful to the local people who helped facilitate the operation. The Government is committed to supporting the Somali people to punish the Khawarij conspirators who dare to harm the people and the country, and listen to the hard work to stay away from the Khawarij thoughts and actions. End
  • Images which reportedly show damage from airstrikes on the village of Oodweyn on September 6, 2023. (Image posted by @IbnSiqilli)
  • Images which reportedly show damage from airstrikes on the village of Oodweyn on September 6, 2023. (Image posted by @IbnSiqilli)
  • Images which reportedly show damage from airstrikes on the village of Oodweyn on September 6, 2023. (Image posted by @IbnSiqilli)
  • Images which reportedly show damage from airstrikes on the village of Oodweyn on September 6, 2023. (Image posted by @IbnSiqilli)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Oodweyn, for which the generic coordinates are: 4.888, 46.5106. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.  

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

On September 6, 2023, a Somali national force conducted a counter-terrorism operation in the vicinity of El-Lahelay, Somalia.

The command's initial assessment is that three al Shabaab leaders were killed as a result of the operation and, unfortunately, civilians were injured and killed in the vicinity of the operation.

U.S. forces were not onsite for the operation and did not conduct air strikes during or in support of the operation.

In response to a request from the Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command medically evacuated injured civilians.

The claim being spread by al Shabaab that U.S. forces caused the unfortunate harm to civilians is false.

Somali Military Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Somali Military Forces
  • Somali Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike, Ground operation
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 7
  • (3–5 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–5
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Somali Military Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–3

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

SDF00011

Incident date

August 30, 2023

Location

الصنور, Al Sanour, Abo Hama, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Airwars assessment

On August 30th, 2023, during clashes in Abo Hama between SDF forces and tribal fighters, Youssef Al-Ibrahim Al-Abdullah, 15 years old, and young man Bashar Al-Abd Al-Ali, were killed and 10 other civilians were injured, according to reports from multiple news agencies and the boy’s family.

Sada Al Sharqieh was the sole report found within the sources to report that Bahar Al-Abd Al- Ali had been killed and Shaam News was the sole report found within the sources to allege that 10 civilians had been injured.

According to reports from @freesyriachann, @Rian_almasri, @EuphratesPost, and others, Youssef Al-Ibrahim Al-Abdullah was killed by a stray bullet, and they did not allege any specific belligerent was responsible, while Shaam News, Alaraby News, @SyriaFreew, and others allege that SDF fighters were responsible for his death. Further details about Bashar Al-Abd Al-Ali or injured civilians were not available within the sources, except that they had been victims of the violent clashes in Abo Hama, east of Deir Ezzor. Shaam News reported that Abo Hama was hit by “indiscriminate shelling by the SDF with heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades” and @yasersoufi alleged SDF forces hit civilian homes with mortar shells and heavy artillery.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Youssef Al-Ibrahim Al-Abdullah
15 years old male killed
Bashar Al-Abd Al-Ali
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    YPG, Tribal Forces

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Youssef Al-Ibrahim Al-Abdullah, 15 years old, killed during clashes between the SDF and tribal fighters in Abo Hama on August 30, 2023. (Image posted by @DeirEzzore)
  • Youssef Al-Ibrahim Al-Abdullah, 15 years old, killed during clashes between the SDF and tribal fighters in Abo Hama on August 30, 2023. (Image posted by Khaled via Facebook)
  • #SDF militias target civilian homes in the town of #Abu_Hamam, east of #Deir_ez-Zor, with mortar shells and heavy artillery

YPG Assessment:

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

Tribal Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Tribal Forces
  • Tribal Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    YPG, Tribal Forces

Sources (16) [ collapse]