Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

November 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS140

LOCATION

الرحيبة, Al Rahiba, Damascus, Syria

The White Helmets reported that one adult male civilian was killed, and several others injured in an alleged bombing by Russian warplanes. However, the VDC blamed the Assad regime for the death.  

Summary

First published
November 10, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2019

Incident Code

RS3697

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria

A man was killed and three other civilians were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Heesh, Idlib governorate, on May 14th, 2019, according to local sources. Justice Organisation wrote: “One person was killed and 3 people were wounded as a result of the shelling of the Russian warplanes and

Summary

First published
May 14, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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 belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2018

Incident Code

RS2885

LOCATION

سراقب, Saraqeb, Idlib, Syria

A man was killed and four others were wounded in airstrikes which struck Saraqeb, according to local media. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, most blaming Russia while one sources blamed the Syrian regime. According to local media there was damage to civilian properties, in the “four raids” which struck the vicinity.

Summary

First published
January 11, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1221

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

The civilian male was killed by shelling in Raqqa by three local sources. Al Hassaka Rasd said the was killed “as a result of artillery shelling originating from the Kurdish units”, however Airwars understands that only the Coalition has artillery in Raqqa. Some caution is required, however, as the victim’s name is very similar to

Summary

First published
July 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

December 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS334

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One adult male, named by the Violations Documentation Center as media activist Yousef Abo Bilal, (aka Abu al-Homsi Joshua) was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike. While the VDC lists Hamidiya neighbourhood in Homs, Yousef Abo Bilal actually died in Palmyra. His non-combatant status is also questioned. As Enabbaladi notes: “Activists from the city of Homs

Summary

First published
December 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1254

LOCATION

الجميلي, Jumaili, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources reported that one civilian died and others were wounded in ‘artillery shelling’ by the SDF in Jumaili. However, as Airwars understands that only the Coalition use artillery in Raqqa, this event can be assessed as likely carried out by that party.  

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS366

LOCATION

معارة الارتيق, Maarat al Arteek, Aleppo, Syria

Activists told Shaam News that Russian warplanes targeted Maarat al Arteek with three strikes, using highly explosive missiles. They said that an automated bakery and residential buildings were damaged, which resulted in the death of one person and the injury of 10 others, including serious cases taken to field hospitals.  

Summary

First published
January 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS1311

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike in Raqqa, according to multiple local sources. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
August 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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

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

April 4, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM211-C

LOCATION

Ugunji, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A ground operation struck a minibus carrying civilians, killing one woman and injuring up to six others, local media reported. While one source claimed that the attack was conducted by drone, others said it was a ground operation, involving Somali and possibly also US troops. AFRICOM later denied responsibility for civilian harm on the grounds

Summary

First published
April 4, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4–6
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Known belligerent
Somali Military Forces
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2017

Incident Code

CS1369

LOCATION

Badu neighbourhood, Raqqa, Syria

Numerous local sources reported the death of civilian Mahmud Abdul Latif Al-Humaidi. A Hasaka Rasd report said that “the death of Haj Mahmud Abdul Latif Al-Humadi was caused by “artillery shelling originating from Kurdish units”. The same description of events was supplied by Sharqiya Voice. Other sources such as Ahmad Shbli blamed the US-led Coalition

Summary

First published
August 13, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 3, 2019

Incident Code

RS3755

LOCATION

حيش, Heesh, Idlib, Syria

Multiple sources reported that one civilian was killed in Heesh, Idlib, on June 3rd. Three sources named the victim of the airstrikes as Abdel Qadir al-Salloum. Syrian Network for Human Rights and other sources claimed that “missiles were fired near Martyr Fajr al Ismail School”, with this source also reporting that the airstrikes “destroyed the school’s

Summary

First published
June 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 7, 2017

Incident Code

CS1453

LOCATION

Bokros Tahtani, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that “a leader of the Islamic State, and his son were killed in a raid by the Washington-led international coalition aircraft” al Laayadh area, near the river crossing, بقرص تحتاني Bokros Tahtani, Eastern Deir Ezzor. According to Euphrates Post among other sources, he was “coming from the town of Al-Shuhail on a

Summary

First published
September 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS814

LOCATION

مسكنة, Maskanah, Aleppo, Syria

One unnamed civilian was reported killed and two or more injured in alleged regime (or possibly Russian) airstrikes on Maskaneh. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
May 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 18, 2018

Incident Code

CS1715

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In a previously unknown incident, the Coalition reported in May 2018 that it had killed one civilian in Hajin. According to the monthly civilian casualty report: “January 18, 2018, near Abu Kamal, Syria, via self-report. During a strike on Daesh-held building a scooter entered the impact area moments before the impact. One civilian was unintentionally

Summary

First published
January 18, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2018

Incident Code

CS1776

LOCATION

الصور, Al Sour desert in northern Deir Ezzor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source reported that a civilian man was killed in a Coalition airstrike in the Al Sour desert in the northern countryside of Deir Ezzor. Baladi News stated that in addition to killing nine ISIS fighters, ‘a shepherd who happened to be near them’ was also killed in the raid. Among the fighters said

Summary

First published
June 26, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1085

LOCATION

كفرتخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

One woman died in an airstrike on Kafr Tkharim and the surrounding countryside on the August 2nd, according to sources on the ground. Most sources attributed the event to Russia, though one said that barrel bombs had been dropped on the area, meaning that regime involvement can’t be ruled out. LCCSY and Baladi Network both

Summary

First published
August 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2461

LOCATION

موحسن, Mohassein, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One female was killed due to alleged Russian and Syrian regime raids on Mohassein, local media reported. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
September 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2018

Incident Code

RS3070

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed in Hazrama, Damascus, local media reported, following allegedly both Russian and Assad-waged aerial shelling of the town. In continuation of the intense shelling of eastern Ghouta, Hazrama was subject to “air and missile bombardment”, as reported by LCCSY. All known sources reported one civilian fatality from the strikes. Baladi News and

Summary

First published
February 23, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2018

Incident Code

RS3195

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalka, Damascus, Syria

A civilian was killed and dozens more were wounded in air and artillery strikes on Zamalka, local media reported. Sources attributed the blame to both Russia and the Syrian regime. According to Syrian Civil Defence “a number of civilians were injured in the attack on the residential areas by cluster bombs and barrel bombs”. They

Summary

First published
March 7, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
12–24
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 belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2019

Incident Code

RS3940

LOCATION

معرة النعمان, Ma`arat Al Nu`man, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and up to six others injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on a residential neighborhood including a market in Ma`arat Al Nu`man. Orient News also said that a child went missing as a result of the attack. The Syrian Human Rights Committee named the victim as Ahmad Al-Nassan. 

Summary

First published
July 23, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 3, 2017

Incident Code

LC062

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi: Ganfouda 12 building complex, Benghazi, Libya

A woman reportedly died on March 5th after she sustained severe injuries from shrapnel after an airstrike on March 3rd from what was described as a foreign aircraft. The aircraft hit the 12 Buildings in Ganfouda approximately on March 3rd in support of the LNA campaign. Alnabaa reported: “On Sunday, one of the women trapped

Summary

First published
March 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2016

Incident Code

CS222

LOCATION

السكاوية, Al Sakkawya, Aleppo, Syria

One adult civilian male named as Saif Al Din Mohammad Al Sheikh was reported killed by a single source. According to the Syrian Network, “Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted residential houses in Al Sakkawya village, affiliated to Manbej city in the eastern suburbs of Aleppo, which resulted in the killing

Summary

First published
June 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 30, 2016

Incident Code

CI260

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, East [Cultural group], Nineveh, Iraq

According to local sources, a targeted Coalition strike on the local head of ISIL’s sharia courts killed both him and his wife. They reportedly held French passports. The strike targeted the Al-Majmoa’ Al-Thaqafiya area of western Mosul. In the second of their March 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were

Summary

First published
June 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2150

LOCATION

اللطامنة, Lataminah, Hama, Syria

A girl was killed and as many as six other civilians were wounded following a parachute missile attack on a residential neighbourhood in Lataminah, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, with some blaming the Syrian regime and others blaming Russian warplanes. Halab Today reported that huge fire broke out in a

Summary

First published
April 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2017

Incident Code

CS460

LOCATION

الغكة, Al Ghakka, Al Hassakah, Syria

Claims that a ‘civilian car’ was targed by the Coalition near al Ghakka were later revised, after reports identified a named ISIL commander killed in the attack. Initially, al Hassakah Youth Union reported that “Coalition planes target a civilian car in al Ghakka village east of al Shadadi which led to the death of Ahmad

Summary

First published
January 26, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 8, 2017

Incident Code

RS1817

LOCATION

الحابوسة, Al Haboussah, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an alleged aerial bombardment of Al Haboussah, Aleppo. Sources either blamed Russian warplanes for the raid, or did not attribute any blame.  Despite the Violations Documentation Centre listing the victim as an adult male, an image of a child was published alongside a Facebook status, naming the victim. We are therefore

Summary

First published
January 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(0–1 children0–1 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS525

LOCATION

سلحبية, Salhabiya, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on al Salhabiya, 25 km west of Raqqa city, according to the Smart news agency. Jisr TV reported that the Coalition carried out raids on al Salhabiya, but didn’t mention any casualties.  

Summary

First published
February 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1919

LOCATION

جبل البلعاس, Al-Bila'as mountain, Hama, Syria

A single source reported the death of one civilian and the injury of others as a result of alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Bila’as mountain. It was reported that the aerial bombardment was concentrated on the area around al Bila’as Mountains near Akeirbat in Hama, central Syria. Allegedly Russian warplanes struck a camp for displaced people

Summary

First published
February 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

RS2578

LOCATION

السعلو, Sa'lo, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In this single-source incident, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a man was killed in a bombardment by warplanes believed to be Russian on al-Salu village in the countryside of Deir Ezzor”. Currently, there are no further details.  

Summary

First published
October 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident