Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

August 8, 2017

Incident Code

CS1354

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

It was reported by local sources that a woman named Reham Abdul Aziz Al-Taha and all her children were killed in alleged US-led Coalition strikes on the city of Al-Raqqa. Sources did not state how many children have died. In a Facebook post by Sdc Palmyra it was asserted that the family comprised of displaced

Summary

First published
August 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS371

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

Two to four civilians including one to two children were killed in an alleged Russian airstrikes on a school for boys in Hayyan, according to multiple sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that four civilians including two children died when “suspected Russian warplanes fired several missiles near Hayan High School for Boys in Hayan

Summary

First published
January 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–2 children1 man)
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
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2017

Incident Code

CI827

LOCATION

Akashat, Al Anbar, Iraq

Local press and other sources reported on the death of three civilians, all from the same family, in airstrikes on Al Rutba, 420 km west of Baghdad. According to Amad Al-Dulaimi, the mayor of Ar Rutba, the family was killed following a bomb dropped by an unknown aircraft. Sahafaty News also quoted the mayor who

Summary

First published
August 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1
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

February 11, 2016

Incident Code

RS595

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Between two and four civilians including up to two children were killed in airstrikes on Palmyra, according to local sources – though reports are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The Violations Documentation Center said that two adult male non-combatants died as a result of Russia shelling.

Summary

First published
February 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(0–2 children1 woman2 men)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2016

Incident Code

RS772

LOCATION

حي ‏المرجة‬, Marjah (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to five civilians died and 16 were injured in a Russian or regime attack on Marja. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said three civilians died as a result of Russian strikes. LCCSY also blamed Russia, putting the death toll at four. But the Syrian Mirror said the regime was responsible, reporting that four

Summary

First published
April 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
16
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 2, 2017

Incident Code

CI837

LOCATION

U'boor district of Anbar, Al Anbar, Iraq

A single report from Yaqein claimed the US-led Coalition had conducted an intensive aerial bombardment resulting in 200 civilians killed and injured within a 48 hour period. The specifics of the civilian casualties, including the toll and identity is currently unknown. Yaqein described indiscriminate bombing by the warplanes of the international coalition aircraft, asserting that

Summary

First published
September 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
50 – 100
Civilians reported injured
50–100
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS953

LOCATION

خان الشيح‬, Khan al Sheikh, Damascus, Syria

Local sources reported airstrikes targeted the Palestinian refugee camp Khan al-Sheikh, leading to the death of at least six civilians including one child and one woman. Sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame for the attacks. The highest death toll was given by Radar News, who reported eight

Summary

First published
June 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–12
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
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS1465

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians, a wife and husband were reported killed following airstrikes on the city of Raqqa. The exact location within the city is currently unknown. Three out of five sources blamed the Coalition, the other two referred to an “aerial bombardment”, without identifying the culprit. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights commented that the incident

Summary

First published
September 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS962

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that up to four civilians died and several more were injured in an airstrike on Deir Ezzor – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. According to one source, Al Jisrtv, ISIS mortars also hit the governorate on this day. The Syrian News Network reported  that

Summary

First published
June 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 4
(0–1 children)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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 14, 2017

Incident Code

CS1494 Rs2450

LOCATION

سعلو, Deir Ez-Zor, Sa'alu, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One female civilian, died in an alleged airstrike on the village of Sa’alu, according to local media. The US-led Coalition and Russia were both cited as culprit, amongst multiple references to unidentified aircraft. According to Qasioun, the Coalition bombed Sa’alu as part of an aerial offensive that targeted multiple villages in the east of Deir

Summary

First published
September 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2015

Incident Code

RS213

LOCATION

كفر تخاريم, Kafr Takharim, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians – both children – were reported killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Takharim, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and others. Salqeen’s co-ordinating committee alleged that Russia used cluster munitions in the attack. A field investigation by Al Jazeera English interviewed a child eyewitness badly injured in the event: “I

Summary

First published
November 29, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
4–10
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

CI853

LOCATION

بطمة, Al Butma near Huwaija, Kirkuk, Iraq

Local media reported airstrikes in Huwaija south of Kirkuk province, during an Iraqi assault to capture the city from ISIS. Yagein alleged the US-led Coalition was responsible and cited dead and wounded following the raids. Alzab made a plea to ISF: We hope the security forces ascertain the proper coordinates of their goals in order to

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS450

LOCATION

البوليل, Al Buliyal, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians including one child were killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al Buliyal, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No reports on strikes on Al Buliyal have yet been found.  

Summary

First published
January 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 29, 2017

Incident Code

CS1545

LOCATION

الرقة‎ , Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians named as Abdul Fattah Abdul-Ali Al-Dali and Sufian al-Dali died reportedly due to airstrikes on Raqqah city. The sources did not name a culprit and referred only to “bombing” and “shelling”. There is limited information presently available. Airwars will amend the entry when new information arises.

Summary

First published
September 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2016

Incident Code

RS465

LOCATION

دير الزور, Deir ez-Zor, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One adult male civilian, died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Deir-ez Zor, according to the Violations Documentation Centre and the Syrian Network for Human Rights.  

Summary

First published
January 26, 2016
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
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2017

Incident Code

CS1578

LOCATION

Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

A civilian named as Hussein al-Ibrahim al Hassan died following alleged US-led Coalition strikes on Raqqah city, local media reported. Raqqa Media Center cited “artillery bombardment” as the cause of his death. Airwars understands only the US-led Coaliiton had access to artillery at Raqqah.

Summary

First published
October 4, 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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS966

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Continuous heavy shelling by warplanes was reported to have killed seven civilians including an entire family of four in Hraytan. Other than Syrian News, who claimed there were both Russian and Syrian regime planes, all other sources have reported Russia the sole culprit. Syrian News reported that the neighbourhood Al-Haramis was shelled and Hraytan alleged

Summary

First published
July 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(3 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 8, 2017

Incident Code

CI865 RS2613

LOCATION

Al Qaim, Al Anbar, Iraq

According to many reported, two brothers were killed in Al Qaim, Iraq or al Hari in Syria, near the Iraqi border on October 8, 2017. Reports were contested: one source implied that Iraqi aircraft may have been responsible, while a number of sources identified Russia as the culprit, one source attributed the attack to the

Summary

First published
October 8, 2017
Last updated
April 17, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
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
US-led Coalition, Iraq Government Forces, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS774

LOCATION

حي الكلاسة, Al Kalassa (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Up to 18 civilians including two children died in airstrikes on Al Kalassa, according to local sources. While most blamed the regime, others alleged that Russia was responsible. At least eight died when “suspected Russian warplanes missiles” fired on the neighborhood, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. In a later report it put

Summary

First published
April 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 18
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
10
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1641

LOCATION

الملعب الاسود, Ar Raqqah: Baladi stadium, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa RWB reported that three bodies were recovered near Al Mala’ab (the stadium) in Raqqa, though it was unclear at which point during the Raqqa campaign the deaths occurred. According to the report the “initial response team” was unable to identify the names due to “SDF prohibiting filming and getting close to the area“. In

Summary

First published
October 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2011

Incident Code

USYEM023-N

LOCATION

بين زنجبار‎ و شقرة, Between Zinjibar and Shaqra, Abyan, Yemen

An airstrike on a car targeted Fahd al Qusaa, also known as Quso, an al Qaeda leader and suspect in the USS Cole bombing. It was a US attack, according to the New York Times quoting an AQAP representative. He claimed that Qusaa had left the car minutes earlier and was unharmed. According to the Long War Journal,

Summary

First published
July 14, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Yemeni Air Force
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Geolocation
Subdistrict
View Incident

Incident date

April 29, 2016

Incident Code

RS783

LOCATION

المعادي, Al Ma'adi (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Shaam News Network reported that “as usual warplanes and helicopters continue to fly over the city of Aleppo for the 8th consecutive day bringing people death and destruction. Russian and Assad’s planes launched dozens of raids with vacum missiles and barrel bombs“. They recorded one death in Al Ma’adi. In a tweet by TRTalarabeya both

Summary

First published
April 29, 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

November 10, 2017

Incident Code

CS1670

LOCATION

Al Shafa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

It was locally reported that the following six civilians died in an airstrike on Al-Sha’afa water crossing. Most sources didn’t say who was responsible, referring to ‘raids’ and ‘bombing by aircraft.’. However, Khafafeesh al Zalam reported that Russia carried out raids on a nearby town on November 11th, killing two civilians.

Summary

First published
November 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2012

Incident Code

USYEM092-B

LOCATION

جعار, Ja'ar, Abyan, Yemen

In a second reported strike in Jaar on May 27th 2012, a house allegedly used as a meeting place by AQAP militants was “pounded” by warplanes, reported Xinhua. Ten alleged AQAP fighters were killed including two local leaders according to a tribal chief. There are currently no known reports of civilian harm. Xinhua did not

Summary

First published
May 27, 2012
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Yemeni Air Force
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
10
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

RS995

LOCATION

عنجارة, Ain Jara, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ain Jara, according to local media. All sources  blamed Russian warplanes for the attack in Ain Jara. NabdsyriaTV claimed that others were also wounded and trapped under the rubble for a period of time.

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 25, 2017

Incident Code

CS1702 RS2813

LOCATION

غرانيج, Granij, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Ten named civilians died and “a large number more” were injured in an alleged airstrike on Granij, according to local media. One sources blamed Russia, while the rest attributed blame to the US-led Coalition. According to Deir Ezzor 24, six non-combatants died when the Coalition “attacked the house of Elias Khader Al-Abdullah in the Al-Samra

Summary

First published
December 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2012

Incident Code

USYEM121-B

LOCATION

حصن العبر, Abr district, Hadramaut, Yemen

Multiple reports stated that Yemeni military officials acknowledged that a drone strike killed at least two suspected militants, as missiles struck two cars travelling between the Marib and Hadramout provinces in eastern Yemen on August 28th, 2012. While American drones have been utilized in this area, Yemeni military officials did not specify the nation involved.

Summary

First published
August 28, 2012
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
2–3
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2016

Incident Code

RS1000

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Up to 21 civilians died and as many as 55 more were wounded in a major civilian casualty event in Al Rastan, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Syrian Press Center reported a Russian warplane carried out the raid, using missiles.

Summary

First published
July 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 21
(3 women8 men)
Civilians reported injured
30–55
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
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Incident Code

CS1734

LOCATION

قرية عفرة, Afra Al Barjari Village, Al Hassakah, Syria

Local sources reported that up to two civilians were killed and between one to four seriously injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Afra al Barjari, on the evening of March 2nd. Multiple sources identified some of the adult male victims. The civilians were said to have been in their car when

Summary

First published
March 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
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-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM393

LOCATION

Weelmarow Village, Lower Juba, Somalia

Kenyans.co.ke reported that a joint operation by US Commandos, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Security Forces in Jubaland resulted in the death of 17 al-Shabaab militants in Weelmarow Village in Lower Juba. The source added that the majority of the al-Shabaab militants were Kenyan and Ethiopian natives. No other sources reported on the incident.

Summary

First published
July 12, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
17
View Incident