Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

USSOM391 KS002

Incident date

June 16–17, 2023

Location

Salagle, Middle Jubba, Somalia

Airwars assessment

Two civilian women were killed and two children were injured by alleged Kenyan or United Arab Emirates or US airstrikes on Salagle in Middle Jubba on June 16, 2023.

The Horn Observer reported that two civilians, a mother and her child, were killed and two other children sustained injuries from airstrikes on Salagle.

A tweet from @YusufGarabey also reported that two people were killed by the airstrikes, attributing them to Kenyan jets and identifying both of those killed as women.

The Horn Observer also pointed out that some local sources have attributed the airstrikes to the Kenyan army or drones from the United Arab Emirates, adding that the US has been known to carry out airstrikes in the area. However, no military has taken responsibility for the airstrikes at this time.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, United Arab Emirates Military, Kenyan Military Forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

US Forces Assessment:

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

United Arab Emirates Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    United Arab Emirates Military
  • United Arab Emirates Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Kenyan Military Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, United Arab Emirates Military, Kenyan Military Forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM390 KS001

Incident date

June 16–17, 2023

Location

Saakow, Middle Jubba, Somalia

Airwars assessment

A civilian was injured by alleged Kenyan or United Arab Emirates or US airstrike on Saakow in Middle Jubba on June 16/17, 2023.

Horn Observer reported that a civilian was injured by airstrikes in Saakow, possibly carried out by Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, or the US.

Hormuud, Somalia’s largest telecom provider, also announced that their site was damaged by the airstrikes. The company released a statement that “there are reported human casualties but no Hormuud staff member was physically harmed, nevertheless the disruption of telecommunications services, destruction of property and emotional distress for local communities and our team have been significant.” @Hormuud also tweeted that the airstrikes caused disruption to their telecom and EVC Plus mobile money services, with @AhmedAKosar adding that more than 60,000 people were left without service.

Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with Garowe Online attributing the airstrike to the Kenyan Defense Forces while others referred to the UAE or US. At this time, no military has taken responsibility for the strikes. Multiple local sources pointed out the Kenya has previously bombed Hormuud installations.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Power Station
  • 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
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Kenyan Military Forces, United Arab Emirates Military, US Forces

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (10) [ collapse]

  • Damage to a telecom company caused by airstrikes in Saakow on June 17, 2023. (Image posted by Garowe Online)
  • Damage to a telecom company caused by airstrikes in Saakow on June 17, 2023. (Image posted by Garowe Online)
  • Statement from Hormuud Telecom after airstrikes on June 16, 2023 caused damage to their facility. (Image posted by @HarunMaruf)
  • Damage to a telecom company caused by airstrikes in Saakow on June 17, 2023. (Image posted by @Hormuud)
  • Damage to a telecom company caused by airstrikes in Saakow on June 17, 2023. (Image posted by @HussienM12)
  • Damage to a telecom company caused by airstrikes in Saakow on June 17, 2023. (Image posted by @HussienM12)
  • Damaged homes in Saakow district caused by airstrikes on June 16/17, 2023. (Image posted by @BaidoaU)
  • Damaged homes in Saakow district caused by airstrikes on June 16/17, 2023. (Image posted by @BaidoaU)
  • Damaged homes in Saakow district caused by airstrikes on June 16/17, 2023. (Image posted by @BaidoaU)
  • Damaged homes in Saakow district caused by airstrikes on June 16/17, 2023. (Image posted by @BaidoaU)

Kenyan Military Forces Assessment:

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

United Arab Emirates Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    United Arab Emirates Military
  • United Arab Emirates Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

US Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Power Station
  • 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
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Kenyan Military Forces, United Arab Emirates Military, US Forces

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USYEMBi011

Incident date

June 15, 2023

Location

المصينعة, Al Musinaa, Shabwa, Yemen

Airwars assessment

An Al Qaeda leader was killed and four soldiers in the Shabwa Defense Forces were injured by alleged US drone strikes in Al Musinaa in Shabwa governorate on June 15, 2023.

A tweet from @aboalfatl2019 reported that “leader” Abu Muhammad al-Shalwani al-Awlaki was killed by American drones in Shaab Madhab in the Musinaa area. @egl3000 identified Abu Muhammad as an Al Qaeda leader, and a tweet by @ywsfl56704748 added that an American drone had bombed Al Qaeda sites in Shabwa.

While the majority of sources attribute the casualties in Musinaa to an American drone, @egl3000 mentioned a clash with the Shabwa Defense Forces while @OrintJournal reported that four soldiers of the Shabwa Defense Forces were injured in a drone attack, making it possible that the drone strikes occurred during clashes between Al Qaeda and the Shabwa Defense Forces.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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
    1
  • Belligerents reported injured
    4

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Abu Muhammad Al-Shalwani Al-Awlaki, reportedly an Al Qaeda leader who was killed by alleged US drone strikes on June 17, 2023. (Image posted by @egl3000)

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 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
    1
  • Belligerents reported injured
    4

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS603

Incident date

June 14, 2023

Location

village of Shourik, Al Hassaka, Syria

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were injured by alleged Turkish drone strikes on the village of Shourik on June 14, 2023.

North Press Agency reported that a Turkish drone carried out a strike near a cement factory in the village of Shourik resulting in casualties. A medical source told North Press that an injured man named Ahmad Saleh Abdullah was brought to al-Salam Hospital in Qamishli city for treatment and that his health condition was stable. The victim is described as an IDP from the city of Aleppo who lives in the town of al-Qahtaniyeh (Tirbe Spiye).

According to Hawar News, four civilians were injured by Turkish strikes on the Qamishlo-Tirbespiyê road, which caused damage to a number of passing cars on the road. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights refer to the “targeted” vehicle as a military vehicle, but did not specify whether those affected were civilians or militants.

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Turkish drones.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Saleh Abdullah
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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
    Turkish Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • A vehicle destroyed by alleged Turkish drone strikes on the village of Shourik on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights)
  • A vehicle destroyed by alleged Turkish drone strikes on the village of Shourik on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by Hawar News)

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • 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
    Turkish Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS602

Incident date

June 14, 2023

Location

الدندنية, Al Dandaniyah, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.576592, 37.762351 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On 14 June 2023, two children were injured by an alleged Turkish artillery strike, followed by a drone strike, on a farm in Al-Dandaniyah village in Manbij, the western countryside east of Aleppo.

One of the children who survived the strike, Muhammad Saeed, noted that the attack ‘directly bombed their whereabouts’ according to Hawar News. Muhammad also told Hawar News that the other child that was injured is named Othman Al Abdullah.

According to a statement from the Press Office of Manbij Military Council (MMC), whilst attempting to transfer the children to a hospital for treatment, four members of the MMC were killed by a Turkish drone strike and left two other members injured.

This version of events is supported by documentation by the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights and the Kurdish news outlet ANF. All of the sources attribute the strikes to Turkish forces.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad Saeed محمد سعيد
Child injured
Othman Al Abdullah
Child male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Artillery, Drone Strike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a child injured by alleged Turkish shelling on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by SDF Press Office)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a child injured by alleged Turkish shelling on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by SDF Press Office)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a child injured by alleged Turkish shelling on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by SDF Press Office)
  • Graphic image of a child injured by alleged Turkish shelling on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by SDF Press Office)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a child injured by alleged Turkish shelling on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by SDF Press Office)
  • Graphic image of a child injured by alleged Turkish shelling on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by SDF Press Office)
  • Four fighters killed while trying to help two children injured by alleged Turkish shelling on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by @Ahmad_1alshble via Twitter)
  • Graphic image of a child injured by alleged Turkish shelling on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by SDF Press Office)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Dandaniyah (الدندنية), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.576592, 37.762351. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Artillery, Drone Strike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Agriculture
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS601

Incident date

June 14, 2023

Location

عرب حسن, Arab Hasan, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.649510, 37.848615 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian was killed by alleged Turkish drone strikes on Arab Hasan village on June 14, 2023.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that a person was killed by a Turkish drone strike on a house in Arab Hasan village.

Both @RojAvaTv1 and @NES_RIC_Arabic refer to the person killed as being a civilian. Orient News provided the name of the victim as Abdullah al-Hamada and reported that he was killed while digging tunnels with the SDF. Rasd News added that Abdullah was from the village of Shweha Khaznawi in the countryside of Manbij.

All of the sources that reported on the incident blamed the strikes on a Turkish drone.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdullah al-Hamada عبد الله الحماده
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    YPG/SDF

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Funeral for victims of Turkish strikes on Manbij on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by Sheikh Farouk Al-Mashi, the private media office via Facebook)
  • Funeral for victims of Turkish strikes on Manbij on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by Sheikh Farouk Al-Mashi, the private media office via Facebook)
  • Funeral for victims of Turkish strikes on Manbij on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by Sheikh Farouk Al-Mashi, the private media office via Facebook)
  • Funeral for victims of Turkish strikes on Manbij on June 14, 2023. (Image posted by Sheikh Farouk Al-Mashi, the private media office via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Arab Hasan (عرب حسن), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.649510, 37.848615. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    YPG/SDF

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS600

Incident date

June 12, 2023

Location

A road linking the villages of Herbel with Um Hawsh, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.417702, 37.198600 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One Russian soldier was killed and between three and four other Russian soldiers were injured in an attack on an armoured military personnel carrier allegedly carried out by Turkish forces. The vehicle was moving along a road that connects Herbel and Um Hawsh.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the injured Russians were transported to Afrin hospital and then transferred to another medical facility, though the nature of their injuries are currently unknown; while the Kurdish North Press Agency (NPA) report that 3 were injured in the attack, others such as the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 4 injured. Images of the vehicle’s remains published by Basenews and NPA display the armoured vehicle with ‘MP’ written on the front laid on its side with extensive damage particularly to the front of the vehicle.

Sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Turkish drones.

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Russian Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1
  • Belligerents reported injured
    3–4

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Damaged Russian military vehicle caused by alleged Turkish strikes in Aleppo governorate on June 12, 2023. (Image posted by Basnews)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the road linking Herbel (حربل) and Um Hawsh (أم حوش). Analysing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed the location down to the following exact coordinates: 36.417702, 37.198600.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Russian Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1
  • Belligerents reported injured
    3–4

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS599

Incident date

June 12, 2023

Location

كوباني, Kobani, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.889115, 38.350168 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 3 civilians were injured in an alleged Turkish drone strike killed two Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters by a petrol station near the southern entrance of Kobani at 11:55am on June 12, 2023.

The North Press quoted a medical source at the al-Amal Hospital in Kobani city who reported that 22 year old male Alaa Abdurrazaq Ibrahim had their hand amputated while sustaining injuries to their liver and kidneys, 28 year old male Khabat Adham had their legs and a hand amputated, and 25 year old male Muhammad Bahjat Ayoub fractured their jaw and as of last reporting was receiving surgery for an injury to their main artery by their jaw. The medical source emphasized that all three of the men were seriously injured.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that a total of five civilians were injured by the drone strike.

The two SDF fighters were reported to have been travelling on a motorcycle on the Kobani-Aleppo road when the strike occurred. Images shared by SOHR detail extensive damage to the motorcycle which was damaged to near unrecognition. At this time, no military has claimed the attack while all of the local sources attributed the strike to Turkish drones.

Both Hawar News and ANF identified the location of the strike as occurring on the Aleppo road at the southern entrance to Kobani, with SOHR specifying a gas station as the location.

The incident occured at 11:55:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Khabat Adham
28 years old male injured
Alaa Abdurrazaq Ibrahim
22 years old male injured
Muhammad Bahjat Ayoub
25 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
    3–5
  • 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
    Turkish Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A motorcycle destroyed by alleged Turkish drone strikes on Kobani on June 12, 2023. (Image posted by Syrian Observatory for Human Rights)
  • A Turkish drone bombed at 11:55 a.m. today, Monday; A motorcycle on the Aleppo road at the southern entrance to the city of Kobani.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Kobani (كوباني), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.889115, 38.350168. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–5
  • 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
    Turkish Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (5) [ collapse]