Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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Incident Code

Lib2011-121

Incident date

June 29, 2011

Location

دوفان, Doufan, Misrata, Libya

Geolocation

32.374457, 15.087794 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On June 29th, 2011, rockets on Misurata from Gaddafi forces killed one thirteen year old and injured six others. The shelling was primarily aimed at the Doufan neighborhood. The deceased thirteen year old was identified as Moftah Muhammad Jalwal, while three out of the six injured were identified, but their ages were not provided.

Multiple sources confirmed the shelling, as well as civilian casualties. A video from Al Smood Libya showed an interview following the shelling, and showed several images reported to have been a result of the bombings.

A Facebook post by Farag Akwadir stated “The brigades were concentrated in the Dofan area south of Misrata. The shelling and bombardment were directed at civilian neigborhoods and distroyed several homes and other civilian properties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Moftah Muhammad Jalwal مفتاح محمد جلوال
13 years old male killed
Ahmed Abu Zeid Shahban أحمد ابوزيد شهبان.
Age unknown male injured
Adnan Baiyou عدنان بعيو.
Age unknown male injured
Ahmed Al-Salihi أحمد الصالحي
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • An interview with an unnamed man, showing the aftereffects of the bombing on Misrata. Also shows an image of the one thirteen year old reported killed as part of the bombing. Video from the Al Somood libya Youtube channel, dated June 29, 2011.
  • A video showing a visit to a hospital ward and injured children, reported to be the aftermath of the June 29 2011 bombing on Misrata. Several injured children are shown, as well as an interview with an unnamed man, and a recording of a conversation of a child, reported to be Moftah Muhammad Jalwal, who was killed during the bombings. Video from the Bengazi 17 feb Youtube channel, dated June 30, 2011.
  • An image of the body of Moftah Muhammad Jalwal, a thirteen year old boy killed in the bombings on Misrata. Image is dated June 30, 2011, taken from the Bengazi 17 feb Youtube channel.
  • An image of the body of Moftah Muhammad Jalwal, a thirteen year old boy killed in the bombings on Misrata. Image is dated June 29, 2011, taken from the Al Somood libya Youtube channel.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Doufan (دوفان) neighborhood, allegedly in the south of Misurata (الغيران) city. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Misurata are: 32.374457, 15.087794.

Gaddafi Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • 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
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM122

Incident date

March 19, 2018

Location

مبارك, Mubaraak, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

1.9172773, 44.7731843 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

AFRICOM publicly reported that two days earlier, it had “conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab on the morning of March 19 near Mubaarak, Somalia”.

The press release made no mention of civilian harm. However, AFRICOM claimed that the airstrike killed “two terrorists”, wounded another “three terrorists” and destroyed “one vehicle”.

Voice of America reported the following: “AFRICOM did not identify the individuals targeted in the Monday morning strike but said it was conducted in coordination with the federal government of Somalia.  It also said one vehicle was destroyed in the operation… The deputy governor of the Lower Shabelle region, Abdifatah Haji Abdulle, told VOA Somali that they are still assessing Monday’s strike in order to identify those targeted.  He told VOA Somali that the occupants were al-Shabab officials but said details will be released after assessment is completed.”

In a subsequent FOIA response obtained by journalist Joshua Eaton in May 2019, AFRICOM  confirmed it had struck what it says were “al-Shabaab Fighters”, in the vicinity of Mubaarak, Somalia.

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2
  • Belligerents reported injured
    3

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the vicinity of Mubaarak (مبارك) for which the coordinates are: 1.9172773, 44.7731843. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

U.S. Conducts Airstrike in Support of the Federal Government of Somalia


In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab on the morning of March 19 near Mubaarak, Somalia, killing two terrorists, wounding three terrorists, and destroying one vehicle.

U.S. forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect U.S. citizens and to disable terrorist threats. This includes partnering with AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces (SNSF) in combined counterterrorism operations and targeting terrorists, their training camps, and their safe havens throughout Somalia and the region.

Together with other international partners, the United States is committed to providing Somalia, AMISOM and SNSF with support in the fight against violent extremist organizations.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2
  • Belligerents reported injured
    3

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1867

Incident date

January 28, 2017

Location

جباب حماد, Jabab Hamad, Homs, Syria

Geolocation

34.656278, 37.283862 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several civilians were reportedly wounded by alleged Russian airstrikes that targeted Jabab Hamad, Homs, local sources said.

All the sources – who identified a culprit – pointed to Russia.

There is currently no further information available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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 (6) [ 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 strikes for January 28th, 2017.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-063

Incident date

April 7, 2011

Location

القوارشة, Al Qawarsheh, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.112582, 20.082151 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On April 7th, 2011, the body of an unidentified man was found in the Al Qawarsheh neighborhood of Benghazi, suspected to have been killed by Libyan rebel forces. A UN report cites the death of the man.

The UN report states “the General Prosecution in Benghazi indicating that a body of an unidentified black man found in the Kawarsha outskirts of Benghazi was brought on 7 April 2011 with gunshot wounds to the back of the head.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighborhood of Al Qawarsheh (القوارشة) in the city of Benghazi (بنغازي), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.021389, 20.073056. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighborhood of Al Qawarsheh (القوارشة) in the city of Benghazi (بنغازي).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM162

Incident date

November 24, 2018

Location

هرجيسا, Hargeysa Yarey, Middle Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.446541, 42.702214 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A strike was said to have killed 15 members of al Shabaab and injured another 30, according to the official Somali National News Agency (SONNA).

It was not clear whether US forces carried out the strike from the reporting, but US Africa Command said US forces had not carried out a strike on that day.

All Africa’s report noted: “Fifteen Alshabaab fighters have been killed and more than 30 others wounded in an airstrike on Saturday evening. According to official Somali National News Agency (SONNA) the attack targeted meeting of the militants in Hargeysa Yarey in the middle Juba region of Somalia at 11PM local time on Saturday.

SONNA said top Al Qaida linked group officials including Daahir Gacmay, Abdirahman Takar, Sayid Dheere, Abdullahi Rabbi and among others were in the meeting during the attack. No confirmation or denial from US Africa command press department on the attack reportedly carried out by its aircraft.”

According to Walaal 24, the strikes took place approximately 11km from Hargeysa Yarey itself. Three missiles were allegedly fired.

The incident occured at approximately 11:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • 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
    15
  • Belligerents reported injured
    30

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the village of Hargeysa Yarey (هرجيسا), for which the coordinates are: 0.446541, 42.702214. Due to limited information and satellite imagery 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
    Single source claim
  • 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
    15
  • Belligerents reported injured
    30

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

RS1879

Incident date

February 4, 2017

Location

عقيربات, Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

Geolocation

35.0412099, 37.464692 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several civilians were injured in airstrike on Akeirbat, Hama, according to local media. Only two known sources reported on the attack and only one identified a belligerent, it is therefore unclear if Russia were responsible for the raid.

Step News Agency reported that “Russian planes carried out raids on Akeirbat in eastern Hama which led to the wounded civilians”.

Whilst the only other known source, @fawaaaa4, tweeted: “Warplanes bombed a town that caused some civilian casualties” and did not positively identify the warplanes. 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military 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
    Unknown
  • 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 attackers
    Russian Military, Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-175

Incident date

September 22, 2011

Location

سرت, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

31.20892, 16.58866 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At lease one female civilian was injured in Sirte when she was struck by a stray bullet in her home on September 22, 2011 according to a tweet from @libyaalahrartv.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Sirte (سرت‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.20892, 16.58866. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM206

Incident date

March 12, 2019

Location

Huley, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

2.2211000, 44.3694990 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

US Africa Command confirmed that it had carried out an airstrike on March 12th 2019 in the vicinity of Huley, Lower Shabelle Region. According to AFRICOM, the airstrike killed two “terrorists”, and “at this time, it is assessed no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.”

In September 2019, the TRT World Research Centre alleged that properties and livestock suffered “huge damage” in this attack, though no civilian harm was reported.

According to the TRT report: “A likely US-Somali raid attacked a neighboring village inflicting huge damage to the livestock and properties including farmland. However, testimony capture did not permit factual gathering regarding what occurred on that night.’

“TRT World Research Centre, interviewed Abshiro, who witnessed the attack and provided the following testimony: ‘The next night, a neighboring village was also raided by white and black men”, Abshiro said. ‘That assault contained both missile strike and infantry (men landed from planes – likely a Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey). They were Americans. The people who saw the soldiers the next night said they were Americans.

“‘A long time ago, Al Shabaab was present in the area, I think the Americans were probably searching for them. But the white man’s [the Americans] plan was misguided. The Al-Shabaab were not that far away from us. They control the whole area including Awdheegle and Barriire. However, our village was between a disputed area between the Somali government and Al Shabaab. It was normal that Somali soldiers used to come to our village on one day,  and Al Shabaab the next day. We were between them.'”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons, Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the vicinity of the settlement Huley, for which the coordinates are: 2.2211000, 44.3694990. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

"In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia's continued efforts to weaken al-Shabaab, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Huley, Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia, on March 12, 2019."

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons, Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (5) [ collapse]