US Forces in Yemen

Mabkhout Ali al Ameri with his 18-month old son Mohammed, shortly after a botched US raid on al Ghayil in January 2017 had killed at least 20 villagers, including Mohammed's mother Fatim Saleh Mohsen. © Iona Craig

Belligerent
US Forces
Country
Yemen
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Strike Status
Strike Type
Infrastructure

Incident date

March 8, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr155-C

LOCATION

على الحدود بين مديرية خب و الشعف و مديرية العبر, At the border between Khab wa Ash Sha'f the and the Al Abr district , Hadramaut, Yemen

Six civilians, including a teenage boy, were reportedly killed by a US drone strike while driving in the border region between Al-Jawf and Hadramout governorates, at around 3pm on March 8th 2018. The Yemeni Minister of Human Rights, Mohamed Askar, condemned the attack as “extrajudicial killings”. A US Central Command spokesperson later told the Long

Summary

First published
March 8, 2018
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Car, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(1 child5 men)
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
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr154-C

LOCATION

الهدي, Al Hudhi, Hadramaut, Yemen

One civilian was reportedly killed by a US drone strike in Al Hudhi, Hadhramout, at around 5pm on March 7th 2018, “a member of his family and independent observers” told The Intercept. Saleh al-Wuhair was reportedly killed as he stood on a hill in the area, looking for a mobile phone signal. No other known

Summary

First published
March 7, 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)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr152-C

LOCATION

الرويك, 60km from Al Ruwayk IDP Camp, Hadramaut, Yemen

A child was reported killed, and his older cousin injured, by a likely US drone strike in Al Abr, in Hadramout governorate, at around 4pm on March 5th 2018. A US Central Command spokesperson later told the Long War Journal that a strike had taken place in Hadramout on that date. CENTCOM also told the

Summary

First published
March 5, 2018
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr143-C

LOCATION

القمعلة, Al Qam`alah, Al Bayda, Yemen

Two people, including a 14-year old boy, were reportedly killed by a US drone strike in Al Qam`alah, in the Dhi Naem area of Bayda governorate, on January 29th 2018. In a later email to the Long War Journal, a US Central Command spokesperson stated that a strike had targeted AQAP in Bayda on January

Summary

First published
January 29, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 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.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
2 named
Belligerents reported killed
1–2
Belligerents reported injured
2
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr141-C

LOCATION

المصينعه, Al Mushainaah, Shabwa, Yemen

Five civilians and two off duty Yemen soldiers from two local families, all men, were reportedly killed by a US drone strike in or near Al Mushainaah village, in the Saeed district of Shabwa governorate, at around midnight between January 26th-27th 2018. At the time of the strike, the men were reportedly searching for a

Summary

First published
January 26, 2018
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Car, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(7 men)
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 Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
7 named, 2 families identified
Belligerents reported killed
7
View Incident

Incident date

January 1, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr129-C

LOCATION

ذي كالب , Dhi Kalib, Al Bayda, Yemen

Two civilians were allegedly killed by a US drone strike in Dhi Kalb, in the Qayfa area of Bayda governorate, on the afternoon of January 1st 2018, according to multiple sources. In an email to the Long War Journal, a US Central Command spokesperson confirmed that a strike took place “against AQAP” in Bayda on

Summary

First published
January 1, 2018
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Agricultural Land, Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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 Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 22, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr128-C

LOCATION

يكلا‎, Close to Yakla village on road from Rada'a, Al Bayda, Yemen

A US drone strike reportedly killed one civilian in Yakla, in Bayda governorate, on December 22nd 2017, according to multiple local language sources. Tweets from news sources, including @7adramout_net, @yem_Breaking, and @yemenakhbar, suggested that the strike targeted the car of a Qat seller, killing him as he travelled through the area. No known sources suggested

Summary

First published
December 22, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Car, Vehicle
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 Forces
Suspected target
Other
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr120-C

LOCATION

الأحماص او محاص , يكلاء, Al Ahmas or Mahhas area, Yakla, Al Bayda, Yemen

Two civilians, including a 14-year old boy, were killed in a US drone strike in Yakla, in the Qayfa area of Bayda governorate, on the evening of November 23rd 2017, according to several reports. In an email to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, a US Central Command spokesperson confirmed that a strike took place in

Summary

First published
November 23, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Motorcycle, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
ISIS - Yemen
Named victims
2 named
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

November 12, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr116-C

LOCATION

وادي الحيات, Wadi Al Hayat, Al Bayda, Yemen

A US Central Command spokesperson told reporters that a strike had killed two alleged ISIS militants in Bayda governorate on November 12th 2017. This confirmed earlier reports that a US drone strike in the Dhi Kalib area of Qayfa had killed two at noon on that date. Two sources suggested that one of those killed

Summary

First published
November 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared 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
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
ISIS - Yemen
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
1–2
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr115-C

LOCATION

خبران, Khabran, Al Bayda, Yemen

Multiple sources reported that a US drone strike in Qayfa, in Bayda governorate, killed one civilian and seriously injured another on the morning of November 11th 2017.  Some other sources suggested that at least one alleged ISIS militant was killed in the strike. US Central Command later confirmed that a strike took place in Bayda

Summary

First published
November 11, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Car, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
ISIS - Yemen
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
1–3
Belligerents reported injured
1
View Incident

Incident date

August 13, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr096-C

LOCATION

المرون , بالقرب من الخبر, Al Maroun, in the vicinity of Al Khabr, Abyan, Yemen

In an email to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, US Central Command stated that a strike was conducted against AQAP in Abyan governorate on August 13th 2017, confirming multiple earlier reports that at least two alleged AQAP militants were killed in at least one afternoon US drone strike in Al Maroun, in the Khabr Maraqisha

Summary

First published
August 13, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known targets
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Other
Named victims
2 named
Belligerents reported killed
2–3
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr095-C

LOCATION

الروضة, Al Rawda, Ma'rib, Yemen

A reported US drone strike targeted a minibus in Al Rawda neighbourhood, in the Wadi Ubaida area of Marib governorate, on the afternoon of August 3rd 2017. Several sources suggested that the strike targeted AQAP militants in the bus, killing three, though others indicated that as many as two civilians were killed and four injured,

Summary

First published
August 3, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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 belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
1–3
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr084-C

LOCATION

النجاد العذلان, Al Nijad Al Adhlan, Ma'rib, Yemen

Up to five civilians, including a fifteen-year-old boy and man over the age of 70, were reportedly killed in a US special forces ground operation in Al Khthala village, in the Al Jubah area of Marib governorate, beginning at around 1am on May 23rd 2017, though official US accounts of the raid claimed that there

Summary

First published
May 23, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Residential
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 12
(1 child4–11 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
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 Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
11 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
4–9
Belligerents reported injured
2–10
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr081-C

LOCATION

الجيف, Al Jayf, Ma'rib, Yemen

In an email to The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, US Central Command stated that a strike had targeted four “AQAP terrorists” in Marib governorate on April 29th 2017. This confirmed reports that a US drone strike had killed at least two alleged AQAP militants in Al Jayf area, Al Jubah district of Marib governorate, early

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
1–5
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr079-C

LOCATION

الضلعه, Al Dhula'ah, Shabwa, Yemen

On April 24th 2017, Pentagon spokesperson Captain Jeff Davis stated that a US strike had killed eight AQAP militants in Shabwa governorate on the previous day, confirming earlier reports that an afternoon US drone strike in Al Dhula’ah, in the Al Said area, had killed eight people. Several sources reported, however, that at least three

Summary

First published
April 23, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(3–8 men)
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 Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
8 named, 3 families identified
Belligerents reported killed
3–8
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr034-C

LOCATION

الرحبة, Al Rahba near Moujan village, Abyan, Yemen

Multiple sources reported that a US drone strike killed two alleged AQAP militants travelling on a motorbike in the outskirts of Ahwar, Abyan governorate, on the evening of March 4th 2017. While there were no known initial reports of civilian harm, the Yemeni human rights group Mwatana later said that two civilian honey traders were

Summary

First published
March 4, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Motorcycle, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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 belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr006-C

LOCATION

الغيل, al Ghayil, Yakla, Al Bayda, Yemen

At least 15 civilians, including at least 10 children and four women, were reportedly killed in a US Navy special forces operation in al-Ghayil village, Yakla region of Bayda province – though the reported civilian toll varied considerably. The US military has to date conceded 12 deaths. A force of US Navy SEALs engaged in

Summary

First published
January 29, 2017
Last updated
May 13, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Infrastructure
Residential
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 56
(10–15 children4–10 women1–8 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–7
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
32 named, 5 families identified
Belligerents reported killed
4–42
Belligerents reported injured
3–6
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

USYEM269

LOCATION

مديرية الوضيع، أبين‎, Al-Wadiah District, Abyan, Yemen

At least three children were killed and their parents were injured by alleged US airstrikes on a family home in the village of Al-Shemil in the district of Al-Wadiah, Yemen on August 2, 2016. Spanish news agency EFE reported that “at least three children died and their parents were wounded in an air strike on

Summary

First published
August 2, 2016
Last updated
May 22, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Residential
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(3 children)
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 belligerent
US Forces
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
District
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2015

Incident Code

USYEM207

LOCATION

حريب، شبوة‎, Harib district, Shabwa, Yemen

At least one civilian, a child, was killed by alleged US drone strikes on a vehicle traveling in the Harib district of Shabwa governorate of Yemen on January 26, 2015. Sources said the victims died when a drone struck the vehicle they were travelling in central-southern Yemen. The combatant status of one of the victims

Summary

First published
January 26, 2015
Last updated
May 22, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child0–1 men)
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
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
2 named
Geolocation
District
Belligerents reported killed
1–2
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2014

Incident Code

USYEM205

LOCATION

Nasab, Shabwa, Yemen

During the morning of the 6th December 2014, the US confirmed that it conducted a joint airdrop operation with Yemeni special forces, a ground attack by marines and a bombardment to attempt a hostage rescue which resulted in the death of two of the hostages, reportedly at the hands of the al-Qaeda militants, along with

Summary

First published
December 6, 2014
Last updated
May 20, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(1 man)
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
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 Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
2–10
Belligerents reported injured
1–3
View Incident

Incident date

April 19, 2014

Incident Code

USYEM184

LOCATION

Sawmaa, Al Bayda, Yemen

On Saturday, 19th April 2014, at 6 am, a drone strike hit a open-air Toyota Land Cruiser carrying armed men suspected of being AQAP militants and a second strike hit a nearby Toyota Hilux carrying 12 construction workers. The cars were traveling in the Hazmieh area of Al-Soumaa near the Al-Jorroh family project. The strike

Summary

First published
April 19, 2014
Last updated
May 20, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Car, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4 men)
Civilians reported injured
9
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 Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
13 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
9–20
Belligerents reported injured
1
View Incident

Incident date

December 12, 2013

Incident Code

USYEM177-C

LOCATION

ٱلْبَيْضَاء‎, Al-Bayda Governorate, Yemen

On Thursday 12th December 2013, at around 4:30 in the afternoon, an alleged US drone launched between two to four missiles at a wedding procession which killed between 11 to 18 civilians and injured between seven to 110 in Radaa in al-Durrah, al Bayda, Yemen. The wedding convoy was reportedly returning from Al-Basier in the

Summary

First published
December 12, 2013
Last updated
May 22, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Car, Truck, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 15
(11–12 men)
Civilians reported injured
7–110
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 Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
24 named, 2 families identified
Geolocation
Province/governorate
Belligerents reported killed
2–4
Belligerents reported injured
0–2
View Incident

Incident date

August 7, 2013

Incident Code

USYEM165-C

LOCATION

عرق ال شبوان، وادي عبيدة، مَأْرِب, Erq al-Shabwan, Wadi Obeida District, Ma'rib, Yemen

Up to nine people, including as many as three civilians, among them two teenagers (16 years old and 17/18 years old), were reportedly killed in an alleged US drone strike that took place in Erq al-Shabwan, within the Wadi Obeida district of the Ma’rib governorate on August 7/8, 2013. At dawn on August 8, security

Summary

First published
August 8, 2013
Last updated
May 22, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Car, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(1–2 children0–1 men)
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 Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Village
Belligerents reported killed
3–9
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2013

Incident Code

USYEM162-C

LOCATION

بالقرب من قطن, Vicinity of Al-Qatn, Hadhramout, Yemen

Up to five people were killed and three others were injured following alleged US drone strikes on a moving vehicle in Qatan Valley, Hadhramout province at 3:15am on the 1st of August 2013. There was contention in reporting on the number and status of those killed. Some sources reported that all those killed were AQAP.

Summary

First published
August 1, 2013
Last updated
May 22, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Truck, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(1 child1–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
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 Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Town
Belligerents reported killed
0–3
View Incident

Incident date

May 20, 2013

Incident Code

USYEM155-C

LOCATION

رداع, Rada'a, Al Bayda, Yemen

On May 20th 2013, two young men were killed on a motorcycle in an alleged US drone strike in Rada’a, Bayda’ province. Sources are conflicted as to whether the two men killed were members of Al Qaeda or civilians. Nashwan News reported that the two men were killed at dawn after leaving a farm in

Summary

First published
May 20, 2013
Last updated
May 22, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Motorcycle, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
2 named
Geolocation
Town
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
View Incident

Incident date

April 17, 2013

Incident Code

USYEM150-C

LOCATION

وصاب العالي, Wessab al Ali District, Dhamar, Yemen

Up to four civilians were killed in an alleged U.S drone strike in Wessab al Ali on the 17th of April 2013. However there is some discrepancy in earlier reports which alleged all killed were militants. A suspected Al Qaeda leader Hamid al Radami (aka Hammed al Masea Meftah, Hamed Radman, Hamid Radman al Manea,

Summary

First published
April 17, 2013
Last updated
May 22, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Car, Residential, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 4
(0–4 men)
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 Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
4 named
Geolocation
District
Belligerents reported killed
0–5
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 2013

Incident Code

USYEM148-C

LOCATION

خولان, Khawlan, Sanaa, Yemen

On January 23, 2013, at least two civilians were killed by alleged U.S. drone attacks in central Sanaa province. Between two and five militants were also killed in the strike. In the immediate aftermath Yemeni media named five of the dead as: Salem Mohsen Jamel, Ali Mohammed Jamel, Mohsem Mohsen Jamel and Al Nashiri. Rabee

Summary

First published
January 23, 2013
Last updated
May 21, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Car, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2–4 men)
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 Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Village
Belligerents reported killed
2–5
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 2013

Incident Code

USYEM149-C

LOCATION

Wald Rabi' District, Bayda Governorate, Yemen

A second possible drone strike on January 23, 2013 killed between two and four militants, with some sources noting that two children were killed and seven other civilians, including two children and a woman, were injured. The Los Angeles Times reported the strike hit two motorcycles – its intended target – and killing the alleged

Summary

First published
January 23, 2013
Last updated
May 22, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Motorcycle, Residential, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
7
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 Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
District
Belligerents reported killed
2–4
View Incident

Incident date

December 24, 2012

Incident Code

USYEM137-C

LOCATION

ملعب نادي وحدة شحير, Wahid Shoheer Club stadium, Hadramaut, Yemen

Three missiles hit motorbikes killing three to five Al Qaeda militants and injuring between one and 15 people including 14 civilians. The alleged US drone strike occurred in Shehr in Hadramout province in the evening on December 24th, 2012. The number of people injured in the strike varies greatly from one to two militants reported

Summary

First published
December 24, 2012
Last updated
May 13, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Motorcycle, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
(0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–14
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
3–5
Belligerents reported injured
1–2
View Incident

Incident date

September 2, 2012

Incident Code

USYEM124-C

LOCATION

صرار قيفة, Sarar Qifah, Al Bayda, Yemen

Confirmed US drones or jets killed between 11 and 14 civilians, including up to three women (one pregnant woman) and three children, in a botched attack on an alleged senior militant in the village of Al Saboul in Bayda province at 4pm on September 2, 2012. Up to 11 other civilians were wounded. Al Masdar

Summary

First published
September 2, 2012
Last updated
May 13, 2025
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 14
(3 children3 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–11
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
Named victims
14 named, 2 families identified
View Incident