Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

December 21, 2018

Incident Code

CS1876

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Shaafa town, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike killed and injured a number of civilians on the morning of December 21st. Although some sources reported that the incident took place on December 20th (when another similar incident occurred) the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights distinguished the two as separate events. Local sources reported the killing of 27 people, mostly

Summary

First published
December 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 27
(8 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2018

Incident Code

TS287

LOCATION

الدرباسية , Ad Darbasiyah, Al Hassakah, Syria

Four civilians were allegedly killed in a Turkish airstrike on Ad Darbasiyah. ANF reported: “According to reports, Turkish military forces targeted a family in the border area between Erade and Feqiran villages in Dirbesiye city of Heseke Canton. The savage armed attack claimed the life of 4 civilians, 3 of whom are women.” Özgür Gündem

Summary

First published
December 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(3 women)
Civilians reported injured
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2018

Incident Code

CS1875

LOCATION

الشعفة, Al Shaafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A number of civilians, including women and children, were reported killed and wounded by an alleged Coalition airstrike on a “civilian house” in the town of Al-Shaafa on the morning of December 20th. The Coalition later admitted that two civilians were killed in the incident in Al-Shaafa. According to sources on the ground, between 6

Summary

First published
December 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 24
(4 children1–2 women1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

December 19, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM173

LOCATION

Beled Amin South​, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A total of 11 al Shabaab militants were killed as US forces conducted two airstrikes in the vicinity of Beled Amin South on December 19th, a US Africa Command press release claimed. According to AFRICOM, no civilians were harmed. The first strike referenced here killed eight militants and the second strike killed three militants, the

Summary

First published
December 19, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
8
View Incident

Incident date

December 19, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM174

LOCATION

Beled Amin South​, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A total of 11 al Shabaab militants were killed as US forces conducted two airstrikes in the vicinity of Beled Amin South on December 19th, a US Africa Command press release claimed. According to AFRICOM, no civilians were harmed. The strike referenced here killed three militants and the second strike killed eight militants, the US

Summary

First published
December 19, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

December 18, 2018

Incident Code

CS1877

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported the killing of the Basem Al-Hussein family as a result of artillery shelling on the town of Hajin. The bodies of eight named family members were allegedly pulled from the rubble, mostly women and an unknown number of children. All sources reported on the incident on December 21st, but the exact date

Summary

First published
December 18, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1–7 children7 women1 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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM171

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM publicly reported two strikes on the same area on the same day – asserting that it had killed 28 al Shabaab militants in total in the vicinity of Gandarshe.  Another four strikes took place at the same location the previous day on December 15th, it said – killing another 34 militants. “All six airstrikes

Summary

First published
December 16, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
28
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM172

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM publicly reported two strikes on the same area on the same day – asserting that it had killed 28 al Shabaab militants in total in the vicinity of Gandarshe.  Another four strikes took place at the same location the previous day on December 15th, it said – killing another 34 militants. “All six airstrikes

Summary

First published
December 16, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2018

Incident Code

CS1874

LOCATION

البوخاطر, Al Boukhater: Salahudin al Ayubi mosque, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike caused the destruction of the Salahudin al Ayubi mosque in Al-Boukhater and killed between 4 and 19 civilians, in what was described “a new massacre”. According to most local sources, 17 civilians were killed in the attack. However one source said that 13 of the dead were ISIS fighters. Syrian state news

Summary

First published
December 16, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 19
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 15, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM167

LOCATION

غندرشي, Mountainous area near Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM publicly reported the first of four strikes on the same area on the same day – asserting that it had killed eight al Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Gandarshe. The tweet was issued shortly after noon GMT, indicating that the attack was earlier that morning. Two days later AFRICOM revealed that it had

Summary

First published
December 15, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
8
View Incident

Incident date

December 15, 2018

Incident Code

SOM121a

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM publicly reported four strikes on the same area on the same day – asserting that it had killed 34 al Shabaab militants in total in the vicinity of Gandarshe.  Another two strikes took place on December 16th, it said – killing another 28 militants. “All six airstrikes were conducted in close coordination with the

Summary

First published
December 15, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
26
View Incident

Incident date

December 15, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM169

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM publicly reported four strikes on the same area on the same day – asserting that it had killed 34 al Shabaab militants in total in the vicinity of Gandarshe.  Another two strikes took place on December 16th, it said – killing another 28 militants. “All six airstrikes were conducted in close coordination with the

Summary

First published
December 15, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

December 15, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM170

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM publicly reported four strikes on the same area on the same day – asserting that it had killed 34 al Shabaab militants in total in the vicinity of Gandarshe.  Another two strikes took place on December 16th, it said – killing another 28 militants. “All six airstrikes were conducted in close coordination with the

Summary

First published
December 15, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

December 14, 2018

Incident Code

CS1873

LOCATION

حاوي السوسة, Hawi Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported a “massacre” caused by “several missiles directed at the area Hawi Al-Soussa”. All sources blamed the Coalition. The alleged airstrike reportedly targeted a house inhabited by displaced persons, and killed a number of civilians, including women and children. No exact numbers were reported. Step News for example noted that Coalition missiles “targeted a

Summary

First published
December 14, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 6
(2–3 children2–3 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 13, 2018

Incident Code

TI020

LOCATION

مخمور, Makhmour refugee camp, Erbil, Iraq

Four women were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on the Rustam Jodi refugee camp in Makhmour, south of Erbil on December 13th 2018, according to local media reports. Rustom Joudi, the governor of Rastam Jodi camp, said that the Turkish shelling, which took place at 21:00 on Thursday, killed four women, three of them from

Summary

First published
December 13, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 13, 2018

Incident Code

CS1872

LOCATION

الشعفة زيد بن ثابت, Al Shaafa: vicinity of Zaid Ibn Thabit mosque, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that 15 people were killed when an airstrike targeted the surrounding area of the Zaid Ibn Thabit mosque (زيد بن ثابت) in Al Shaafa. Most victims were reportedly women and children. All sources blamed the Coalition, although one source, Mena Monitor News, reported that the Coalition and SDF were responsible for the

Summary

First published
December 13, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2018

Incident Code

CS1871b

LOCATION

Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an event previously untracked by Airwars, the Coalition reported in its monthly civilian casualty report for September 2019 (published November 16th) that it had killed a civilian during an airstrike near Al Shaafah. The Pentagon later declared this to have been a US action. According to the OIR report, “December 12, 2018, near Al

Summary

First published
December 12, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2018

Incident Code

CS1871a

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of a civilian in an event near Hajin, Syria. The Pentagon later declared this to have been a US-caused incident. Their September 2019 civilian casualty report noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against Daesh terrorists. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally wounded

Summary

First published
December 12, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2018

Incident Code

CS1871

LOCATION

الكشمة, Al Kashma, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike on a house reportedly killed 15 civilians from one family on the night of December 11th, in Al-Kashma. All sources said that the airstrike was conducted in Al-Kashma, except for Al-Shaafa Facebook page which reported that the event was in the adjacent village of Al-Shaafa. Possibly explaining the confusion, Andolu News

Summary

First published
December 11, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
(2–4 children2–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM166-C

LOCATION

Baladul Rahma, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

One civilian was reportedly killed and another injured in a confirmed US airstrike in Baladul Rahma near Basra, Somalia according to a field investigation by Amnesty International – though US Africa Command continues to deny that any civilians were harmed. In a press release from AFRICOM issued at the time, it had said it carried

Summary

First published
December 8, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
2 named
Belligerents reported killed
3–4
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2018

Incident Code

CS1870

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that on December 8th, Coalition aircraft carried out multiple airstrikes on the town of Hajin, which allegedly resulted in “dozens of civilian casualties”. The full claim from Raqqa is Being Slaughtered read as follows: “Over the past few hours, the International Alliance aircraft have carried out dozens of air strikes on

Summary

First published
December 8, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 12
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

December 7, 2018

Incident Code

CS1868

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One young girl named as Maryam Abdel Salam was reported killed in an alleged  artillery strike on Hajin. Some sources reported that the attack was conducted by SDF ground forces using artillery while one source reported on “shelling of French artillery”. With the SDF not known to have had access to artillery at Hajin, this indicates

Summary

First published
December 7, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2018

Incident Code

CS1866

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five to eight civilians were reported killed in an alleged airstrike at Hajin according to sources on the ground. All victims were said to be women and children. According to Syrian state media SANA News, “warplanes of the US-led Coalition attacked several residential houses in Hajin city on Thursday night or Friday morning, claiming the lives

Summary

First published
December 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 8
(2–4 children3 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2018

Incident Code

CS1865

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike killed up to 25 civilians according to sources on the ground. The dead reportedly included the families of two ISIS fighters. A single source, Suriye UAD Facebook page, reported that five civilians were killed including a woman, whereas other sources such as Step News and Baladi News reported that as many

Summary

First published
December 5, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 25
(6–7 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
17
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
13 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2018

Incident Code

CS1867

LOCATION

البوبدران, Al Soussa: Al Boubadran, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An alleged Coalition airstrike killed one named adult civilian male, according to sources on the ground. One source by the name of Sami Aleweti, who appears to have been a family member, reported that the man, Jassim al Attawi, was killed in a “barbaric bombardment” by a Coalition aircraft on the village of Al-Boubadran in

Summary

First published
December 5, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM165

LOCATION

Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Four al Shabaab fighters were reported killed as the US carried out what it said was a self-defence strike in the vicinity of Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle, after US and partner forces came under attack, US Africa Command said in a statement. Associated Press gave a detailed report on the event: “Somali commandos backed by U.S.

Summary

First published
December 4, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
4
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2018

Incident Code

CS1864

LOCATION

البوبدران, Al Soussa: al Boubadran, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 12 civilians were reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Boubadran in Al Soussa. Radio al Kul reported that a child was killed in Al Boubadran, while most other sources reported on the deaths of four women and and three children. Hajin News for example reported that “Four women and three

Summary

First published
December 4, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 12
(3 children4 women)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected targets
ISIS, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 3, 2018

Incident Code

CS1869

LOCATION

البوبدران, All Soussa: Al-Boubdaran (al Salam neighbourhood), Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local sources reported that a named civilian man from Al-Salam neighborhood in Al-Boubdaran district, was killed by an alleged Coalition airstrike. Euphrates Post for example reported that “Ahmed Ramadan Al-Baghouz, a civilian from the town of Al-Soussa / Al-Salam neighborhood  / Al-Boubdaran district, was killed by a Coaltion air strike.” Sources reported on the incident

Summary

First published
December 3, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 2, 2018

Incident Code

CS1863

LOCATION

البوبدران, Al Soussa: al Boubadran, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child from the town of Abu Kamal died of his injuries according to multiple sources, following shrapnel injuries to the head received at some point in an air or artillery strike between December 2nd and 4th. Abdul Aziz Maher Jamal Al-Khabour died in the village of al Boubadran near al Soussa. Smart News said that

Summary

First published
December 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 30, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM164

LOCATION

Geelway mountain, Mudug, Somalia

AFRICOM reported that the previous day, it had “conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants near Lebede, Somalia on November 30, 2018”. It said that there had been no civilian harm. However, AFRICOM claimed that the airstrike had killed “nine (9) militants”. Voice of America reporter Harun Maruf provided a more detailed location. “Statement says strike

Summary

First published
November 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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 belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
9
View Incident