Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

May 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS801

LOCATION

الرستن‬, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Fifteen people or more, including up to ten children and seven women, were killed in airstrikes on Ar-Rastan during a second day of bombings on the town. Some sources blamed the Assad regime, with others only aying ‘warp[lanes’ were responsible. Multiple sources said that 13 people from the Turkmani family had died in the raids.

Summary

First published
May 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 17
(8–10 children7 women)
Civilians reported injured
27
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
15 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 30, 2016

Incident Code

RS1373

LOCATION

الزيتونات, al Zaitouniat, Aleppo, Syria

Sixteen or 17 civilians were killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Zaitouniat neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to local media. Smo-sy reported: “five civilians were killed and others were wounded in the Al Zaitouniat area in the Halak district today [Sept 30th], following Russian bombardment raids.” Several sources mentioned the use of bunker busters

Summary

First published
September 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 17
(2–4 children1 woman7 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
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2016

Incident Code

RS1341

LOCATION

الأنصاري, Al Ansari (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

Between one and 17 civilians died in alleged Russian airstrikes on the Al Ansari neighbourhood of Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Most sources said around 17 people were killed, while Araby reported that only one civilian died. Several sources, such as Step News and Smart News, claimed cluster bombs were used in two

Summary

First published
September 25, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 17
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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

May 5, 2016

Incident Code

CI236

LOCATION

تل عفر, Tall Afar, Nineveh, Iraq

Many local sources claimed that Coalition aircraft struck civilian homes in a nighttime attack on Tal Afar city west of Mosul, resulting in 17 deaths including 12 children and 3 women. The Coalition has confirmed airstrikes in the city. Later local source named one of the child victims. In the first of their March 2020

Summary

First published
May 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(12 children3 women2 men)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2521

LOCATION

جسر الشغور, Jisr al Shoughour , Idlib, Syria

Between three and 17 civilians, including two to four children and one to three women, were killed and between 26 and 30 others were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes against the al Gharbi neighbourhood and Karaj Halab area in the city of Jisr al Shoughour in the western countryside of Idlib, according to local sources.

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 17
(2–4 children1–3 women9 men)
Civilians reported injured
26–50
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS3056

LOCATION

حزة, Hazza, Damascus, Syria

As the aerial and artillery shelling of eastern Ghouta continued on its third day, up to 17 people, including at least four children and two women, were killed and several were wounded as the town of Hazza was struck by Russian and/or Syrian regime forces, local media reported. What Zaman al-Wasl, described as “a fierce military

Summary

First published
February 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 17
(4 children2 women)
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

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS852

LOCATION

البارودة, Al Barouda, Raqqa, Syria

Sixteen civilians including six children and seven women died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Barounda village, according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS) – who blamed the Coalition – initially reported the death of three non-combatants. Step News Agency also put the death toll at three – however, a subsequent

Summary

First published
May 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(5–6 children6–7 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
Named victims
16 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1046 RS2295

LOCATION

خشام, Khasham, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Up to 16 civilians, including several women and children, were killed and dozens more injured in airstrikes on Khasham village in Deir Ezzor governorate. However, it was not clear who was responsible with allegations lodged against the Coalition, the Russian air force and the Syrian government. In total, five sources alleged that the Coalition was

Summary

First published
June 20, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
(4 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
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, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 24, 2018

Incident Code

CS1815

LOCATION

مسجد الزوية, Hajin: Al Zawiya mosque, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A Coalition airstrike hit the Al-Zawiya Mosque in Hajin – the fourth reported airstrike on a mosque carried out by the Coalition in the governorate of Deir Ezzor in less than a week. Local sources claimed that at least 7 and up to 16 civilians died in this attack. Free Deir Ezzor said that there

Summary

First published
October 24, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 16
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

July 17, 2016

Incident Code

CS268

LOCATION

منبج, Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Fifteen or more civilians reportedly died in an alleged Coalition night time strike on the Al Hazwana neighbourhood of Manbij, according to multiple reports. Manbij Mother of all the World said the ‘terrible massacre’ took place near the al Karama school. The Syrian Observatory issued an urgent call to the Coalition and its allies: “We

Summary

First published
July 17, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 16
(3 men)
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2018

Incident Code

CS1725

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin / Bahra, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 12 and 16 civilians, including 5 children and 6 women were allegedly killed and “dozens” wounded in a Coalition airstrike on the city of Hajin on February 19th. However some sources, like Deir Ezzor24, stated that the airstrike in fact took place in Al Bahra, a town near Hajin. According to the Syrian Network

Summary

First published
February 19, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 16
(5 children6 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
Named victims
16 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2016

Incident Code

RS1257

LOCATION

Kafr Zita or Latamenah (Hama) or Idlib, Hama, Syria

Up to 16 civilians – with four or five from one family – died in shelling on Latamenah, according to local media. However, there were allegations against both Russia and the Syrian regime. It was reported that Kafr Zita was under regime artillery shelling – with possible regime strikes also reported in Latamnah. According to

Summary

First published
September 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 16
(2 children1 woman1 man)
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 27, 2015

Incident Code

CI115

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Local and medical sources said that 13 civilians were killed and up to six more injured after Coaliton planes struck their homes in the centre of Mosul, while three more civilians died after a shop was reportedly struck by the Coalition in the west of the city. This report references the event in central Mosul.

Summary

First published
September 27, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
Civilians reported injured
3–6
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

March 23, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-047

LOCATION

كلية الهندسة العسكرية, College of Military Engineering, Tarabulus, Libya

Several civilians were reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Tajoura, east of Tripoli. BBC Arabic said at the time: “Libyan officials early on Thursday took a group of journalists to a hospital in Tripoli to see what they said were 18 charred corpses of soldiers and civilians killed in coalition raids overnight. Western planes bombed

Summary

First published
March 23, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 16
(2 children)
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
NATO forces
Suspected target
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 28, 2017

Incident Code

CI584

LOCATION

17 تموز, Mosul, July 17th, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources said that four family houses were destroyed on top of their residents when airstrikes targeted an ‘ISIL headquarters’ in Hawi Al Kaneesa (Church) at west of Mosul. Ninawa said that the houses fell on the heads of the four families living there. Nawar Nathim Ali said on Facebook there was news about civilian

Summary

First published
March 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 16
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 belligerents
US-led Coalition, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Incident Code

CS1736

LOCATION

الشفعة, Al Sha'afa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Four families of Tajik nationality were reportedly killed as a result of airstrikes on the town of Al Sha’afa, according to local sources. All reports stated that the non combatant victims were related to members of so-called Islamic State. Although the sources implied that women and children were harmed by the bombardments, no names, photos

Summary

First published
March 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12 – 16
(2 children2 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

July 18, 2016

Incident Code

CS269

LOCATION

التوخار كبير, Tokhar Kabir, Aleppo, Syria

Up to sixteen civilians including two or more children were reported killed in an alleged noon Coalition airstrike on Al Tokhar, a village near Manbij in northern Aleppo governorate. In its own report on the event the Syrian Network noted: “Fixed-wing international coalition forces warplanes fired a missile that targeted a residential house that is

Summary

First published
July 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 16
(2–4 children2 men)
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
Named victims
14 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 29, 2016

Incident Code

CI380

LOCATION

مستشفى ابن الاثير, Mosul, Ibn Al Athir Hospital, Nineveh, Iraq

According to several sources, at least 16 civilians killed following the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted the children’s hospital in Mosul. CENTCOM confirmed the incident the same day and announced an investigation. A number of ISIL fighters were reported killed along with between five and 16 civilians when the Coalition targeted a vehicle at Ibn al-Athir

Summary

First published
December 29, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 16
(1–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
7–14
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 6, 2016

Incident Code

CI324

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Sehab, Nineveh, Iraq

An Iraqi security source who spoke with Airwars reported the deaths of 16 civilians spread among several families. The source said they were all in a house in a neighbourhood of eastern Mosul when it was hit by an airstrike at 7 PM on November 6th. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1496

LOCATION

عندان, Anadan, Aleppo, Syria

At least one member of the civil defence died and up to five more were wounded in an airstrike on Anadan, according to local media. One source – LCCSY – reported that there had been “16 martyrs in Aleppo following Russian raids on the town of Anadan and in clashes with what is referred to

Summary

First published
October 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 16
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2017

Incident Code

R2475

LOCATION

صبيخان, Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between nine and 16 civilians, possibly including a child and women, were killed and as many as “dozens” more were left wounded following alleged Russian airstrikes striking in Sabikhan, Deir Ezzor, local media reported. @olay6663 reported that the village had been subject to “intensive raids since early morning,” and most sources reported that the raids

Summary

First published
October 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 16
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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

August 20, 2016

Incident Code

RS1172

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Between 10 and 16 civilians including women and children died and dozens more were wounded in airstrikes on Orme Al-Kubra, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the regime. The majority of reports, however, pointed to Russia. The lowest death count was given as

Summary

First published
August 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 16
(2–3 children1–4 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–36
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
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 5, 2019

Incident Code

RS3872

LOCATION

محمبل, Mhambel, Idlib, Syria

14 to 17 civilians were reported killed, and 20 to 24 injured, in airstrikes on Mhambel, Idlib, on July 5th. Syrian Network for Human Rights alleged that “at least 16 civilians, including ten children and four women, were killed in an intensive aerial attack by Syrian regime forces using missiles and barrel bombs on several

Summary

First published
July 5, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 17
(9–10 children4 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
20–24
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
14 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2020

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib, Syria

As many as 16 civilians, most of them women and one child, were killed and up to 24 were left wounded, when alleged Assad or Russian airstrikes struck a women’s prison in Idlib, local media reported. The attack against the prison, run by the Executive Force of the Syrian Opposition, resulted in at least seven

Summary

First published
March 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 16
(1 child10–11 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2019

Incident Code

CS1899

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In the final stages of the fight against ISIS in its last territorial stronghold in Al-Baghouz, alleged Coalition shelling killed at least 16 civilians in the evening of February 11th on the outskirts of the town, according to local sources. Monitors reported that among the victims were seven children, eight women and one elderly man,

Summary

First published
February 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(7 children8 women1 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
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2017

Incident Code

CI515

LOCATION

النبي شيث, Mosul, Nabi Sheet, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that 16 civilians were killed and dozens of others injured in violent clashes and airstrikes on Nabi Sheet neighbourhood. Mosul Ateka posted a photo (see below) of the aftermath, stating “This is the area of Nabi Sheet, the centre of Mosul city, and the main market for handicraft and construction…” A UN

Summary

First published
March 6, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 16
(4 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
7–24
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2015

Incident Code

CI048

LOCATION

برطلّة, Bartalah, Nineveh, Iraq

According to NINA, a source in the forensic medicine department of the local hospital reported that numerous civilians died “in bombing by the international coalition aircraft [which] targeted a stronghold of the Islamic State in Bartalah north of Mosul.” Among 16 alleged civilian victims were five children and two women, whose bodies were said to

Summary

First published
March 5, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
(5 children2 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

LC043

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Two sources reported that ten civilians were killed as the result of seven LNA airstrikes on Ganfouda. According to Arabi21, two families were killed, (including three children, their mother and father in one of the families) as well as foreign workers. Al Jazeera reported that “10 civilians were killed and 32 others, including Arabs and

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 16
Civilians reported injured
45
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
French Military, United Arab Emirates Military, Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

February 27, 2016

Incident Code

CS185

LOCATION

عين العروس, `Ayn al `Arus, Raqqa, Syria

According to reports up to 16 civilians including 10 members of a family died in Ain al A’rouss “following Coalition raids.” One adult male civilian victim – the head of the family – was named by VDC as Faeour al Abo. According to Shaam News, Daesh targets had been struck in the town: “International coalition

Summary

First published
February 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 16
(3 children6 women7 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-led Coalition
Named victims
15 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 2016

Incident Code

CI254

LOCATION

الفلوجة‎, Fallujah, Al Anbar, Iraq

It was reported that airstrikes and artillery shelling of neighbourhoods in Fallujah killed at least 10 civilians and injured 15 more. However, it was not clear from the reports who was responsible, as they referred to aggressive shelling government and international. One report said that the emergency Fallujah General Hospital received thirteen wounded including five

Summary

First published
June 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 16
(4–7 children3–6 women)
Civilians reported injured
13
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident