Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

September 16, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-165

LOCATION

الحي رقم 3, Neighbourhood No. 3, Surt, Libya

A boy and his mother were killed by NATO bombing in the third residential area in Sirte in September 16th 2011. Various condolence pages reported their death without providing further details. NATO on that day reported striking “5 Command and Controle Nodes, 3 Radar Systems, 4 Armed Vehicles, 8 Air Missile Systems” near Sirte.

Summary

First published
September 16, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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
Gaddafi Forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 27, 2025

Incident Code

USYEM250427a

LOCATION

منطقة ثقبان بمديرية بني الحارث, Thaqban area, Bani al-Harith District, Sanaa, Yemen

code: USYEM250427a
incident_date: 2025-04-27
status: publish
civilian_harm_status: Fair

Summary

First published
May 16, 2025
Last updated
June 3, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
House, Residential, Truck, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 13
(8 children2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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
Named victims
13 named, 3 families identified
Geolocation
Exact location (via Airwars)
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-182

LOCATION

برج الساعة المجاور للحي رقم 3, Clock tower adjacent Neighbourhood No. 3, Surt, Libya

According to various sources mostly affiliated with the Gaddafi regime, family members residing in neighbourhood number 3 in front of Al Sa’a (clock) tower, Sirte, were injured and some killed due to an attack launched by NATO in September 25th 2011. It is unclear due to contradicting sources, whether Sarah Ahmed Abd al-Mawli Yunus and Muhammad

Summary

First published
September 25, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
(2–4 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 2, 2024

Incident Code

R4752

LOCATION

شارع الجلاء، بالقرب من مسجد شهاب, Al-Jalaa Street, near the Shehab Mosque, Idlib City, Idlib Governorate, Idlib, Syria

code: R4752
incident_date: 2024-12-02
status: publish
civilian_harm_status: Contested

Summary

First published
June 5, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Car, Mosque, Religious, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
13
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.
Impact
Food
Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 12, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM053

LOCATION

Sabiid, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A US air strike reportedly killed five people – all of them said to be al Shabaab fighters. The attack was defensive and conducted to protect African troops on the ground, an Africom spokesperson told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. The Ugandan soldiers, part of the African Union peacekeeping force Amisom, were attacking a makeshift

Summary

First published
May 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Incident Code

YS014

LOCATION

الريحانية, Al Rihaniya, Hattai, Syria

Turkish news agency TRT reported that one civilian was injured in an alleged YPG rocket attack on Al Rihaniya. According to Kurdistan News, a rocket landed on a house in the Değirmen Karshi neighborhood, injuring one civilian. Other sources said that three rockets were fired.

Summary

First published
February 1, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
YPG
View Incident

Incident date

May 4, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-087

LOCATION

الحيرة, Al Hira, Al Jafarah, Libya

On May 4th, 2011, NATO airstrikes in the Al Hira area, west of Tripoli, led to reported civilian casualties. State television reported deaths and damage to infrastructure, and was quoted in multiple sources. No specific numbers or details about civilian and belligerent casualties were given. Al Sharq Al-Awsat said fore example: “Libyan TV announced yesterday

Summary

First published
May 4, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected targets
Gaddafi forces, Other
View Incident

Incident date

October 2, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM094

LOCATION

مبارك, Mubaraak, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

On November 17th 2017, US Africa Command sent the Bureau of Investigative Journalism a list of previously unreported strikes, which included this one. An AFRICOM spokesperson explained that their goal “is to be as transparent as possible while taking into account operational security, force protection and diplomatic sensitivities.” It therefore did not proactively release information

Summary

First published
October 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

September 7, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-158

LOCATION

التسعين, Al Tes'een, Surt, Libya

On September 7th, 2011 NATO forces bombed the Al Tes’seen near Sirte, killing a 60 year old woman and injuring two children, a four year old girl and nine year old boy. Another unnamed woman was shown on video in the hospital, but it was unclear if she had died as a result of the

Summary

First published
September 7, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS523

LOCATION

الخاتونية, Khatouniyah, Raqqa, Syria

According to the Smart news agency, five non-combatants were injured in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the villages of Kahtaniya and al Khatuniyah in the Raqqa countryside. The source also said thayt some livestock was killed. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
February 22, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM128

LOCATION

Arbiska, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A late night US strike on the village of Arbiska was reported by Radio Shabelle. According to the local news outlet, “Suspected American fighter jets were reported to have carried out an overnight airstrike in Lower Shabelle region, targeting Al-Shabaab bases, residents said. The strike happened on the outskirt of Arbiska village, located near the capital,

Summary

First published
May 23, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
10
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS1852

LOCATION

المهدوم , Al Mahdoum, Aleppo, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian or regime airstrike on a clinic in Al Mahdoum, according to local media. Syrianewsdesk reported: “The Russian warplanes aimed two rockets at the town of Al Mahdoum, under the control of the ISIS in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, injuring civilians and striking the only

Summary

First published
January 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-218

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was killed and three others were injured in Tripoli on December 16, 2011 when their car was ambushed and attacked by nine people armed with Kalashnikov rifles. According to the UN Report Source Page 82, a survivor of the attack said that he was in a car with four friends when their car

Summary

First published
December 16, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM171

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

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

Summary

First published
December 16, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
28
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS1917

LOCATION

المشتل, Al-Mashtal, Homs, Syria

Two civilians were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Mashtal, according to a single source. The Smart News Agency reported “… raids struck al-Mashtal neighborhood in the city of Palmyra, wounding two civilians and destroying houses in the area.” 2baddi reported that the planes struck the mountain range adjacent to the archaeological fortress of Palmyra.

Summary

First published
February 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 2, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-156

LOCATION

وادي الأحمر, Wadi Al Ahmar, Surt, Libya

At least 45 people, including men and women, were found dead in September in a mass grave in the Red Valley near Sirte after being tortured and killed by Gaddafi’s forces. One person survived and was left with the dead in the grave.

Summary

First published
September 2, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
45
(2 women2 men)
Cause of injury / death
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.
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2017

Incident Code

CS550

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Saif al Dawla street, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian was reported injured in what appeared to have been a targeted strike on Ar Raqqah. According to Smart News, “Two members of Islamic State were killed and a civilian injured on Sunday, after aerial bombardment most likely by the international coalition on the city of Raqqa, northern Syria, according to a local source.

Summary

First published
March 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 11, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM213

LOCATION

Garowle, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US military carried out an airstrike in Garowle, Lower Shabelle region, according to a press release issued by US Africa Command the following day. The release asserted that two terrorists were killed in the strike, and that one motorcycle was also destroyed. It further noted that AFRICOM currently assessed that no civilians were harmed

Summary

First published
April 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Unknown
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2021

Incident Code

YS102

LOCATION

حزوان, Hazwan, western Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was injured in an alleged Kurdish counterstrike during an exchange between the SDF and a Turkish base in the village of Hazwan, west of the city of Al Bab on March 18th, 2021. A tweet from @HalabTodayTV reported that there was an “exchange of artillery shelling between the SDF and a

Summary

First published
March 18, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Democratic Forces
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 2, 2019

Incident Code

ISSY-020619

LOCATION

مطار T4, T4 airport, Homs, Syria

At least one soldier was killed and two others were injured in alleged Israeli strikes on the T4 airport in Homs eastern countryside on June 2, 2019. Syrian Arab News Agency reported that the airstrikes “resulted in one martyr, two injured soldiers, damage to an ammo depot, and material damage to some structures and equipment.”

Summary

First published
June 2, 2019
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 belligerent
Israeli Military
Belligerents reported killed
1
Belligerents reported injured
2
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2021

Incident Code

R4331

LOCATION

الفطيرة, Al Fatira, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian, a woman, was killed and others were wounded in alleged Russian or regime airstrikes and/or artillery strikes on June 27, 2021. A tweet from @SILSTY_10 alleges that there were “dead and wounded in the ranks of the militants in missile strikes carried out by the Syrian army on their positions in

Summary

First published
June 27, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 women)
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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
Belligerents reported killed
0–1
Belligerents reported injured
0–2
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2021

Incident Code

M21ISPT082

LOCATION

شارع الوحدة, Al Wahda Street, Gaza, the Gaza Strip

As many as 49 civilians, including up to 18 children, were killed in the deadliest single event of the May 2021 Israeli – Palestinian conflict, which has become informally known as the ‘Wahda Street Massacre’. Dozens more were injured – as many as 50, according to Sana News – in a series of Israeli airstrikes

Summary

First published
May 16, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
44 – 49
(18 children)
Civilians reported injured
50–60
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
Israeli Military
Named victims
47 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

RS2089

LOCATION

بداما, Bdama, Idlib, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly injured following an airstrike in Bdama, Idlib, according to local media sources. It is not clear who was responsible for the event, whilst the majority of the sources blamed Russia, one mentioned the Assad regime. Step News reported that “Russian air force carried out a massive airstrike targeting the town of

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

August 1, 2021

Incident Code

USSOM342

LOCATION

Between Qaycad town and Xarardheere , Mudug, Somalia

In its latest actions in support of Somali ground forces, AFRICOM confirmed that it had conducted airstrikes on al Shabaab positions “in the vicinity of Qeycad” on August 1st. Statements published by both the Somali Ministry of Information and Galmudug State referred to two separate strikes, which Airwars is therefore treating as separate events. Galmudug

Summary

First published
August 1, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2021

Incident Code

YS112

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between 17 and 27 civilians, including four children and three women, were injured in alleged Syrian Democratic Forces or regime strikes on Al Bab on August 5/6, 2021. Macro Media Center reported that “civilians were wounded and civilian homes were destroyed as a result of the targeting of SDF forces with rocket launchers, the city

Summary

First published
August 5, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Syrian Democratic Forces
Named victims
17 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Incident Code

M21ISPT030

LOCATION

الزيتون, Al Zeitoun, Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Between two and three civilians, including two children, were killed and between four and 25 others were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al-Zaytoun neighborhood on May 12, 2021. According to the Anadolu Agency, “one person was killed and several injured in an Israeli raid targeting Al-Zaytoun neighborhood”. However, @GNNANOW and @batoolaloufi tweeted that three

Summary

First published
May 12, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
4–25
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
Israeli Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2021

Incident Code

M21ISPT080

LOCATION

الفخاري, Al Fukhari, Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip

An Israeli missile struck an area adjacent to civilian homes in Al-Fukhari, east of Khan Yunis, resulting in the injury of two civilians according to multiple sources. Several sources reported the type of attack as a shelling, whilst two sources reported that an Israeli drone had launched a missile targeting a group of civilians. The

Summary

First published
May 16, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
Israeli Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC152

LOCATION

مستشفى القلب تاجوراء, Tajoura Heart Hospital, Tarabulus, Libya

A single source reported that three civilians were injured in an LNA airstrike on Tajoura, Tripoli, on June 16th. According to this source, “the aerial bombardment of the residential neighbourhoods near the heart hospital caused serious damage to houses, as well as the hospital. Two women, including a pregnant woman, were injured, alongside a child.”

Summary

First published
June 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

May 19, 2021

Incident Code

M21ISPT117

LOCATION

المصري ,دير البلح, Al Mashaaleh, Dier Al Balah, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Artillery caused extensive destruction to the Al-Masry family home, according to local sources, on May 19th 2021 in the neighbourhood of Al Mashaaleh, within the town of Deir Al Balah, in Gaza. Up to two people were reportedly seriously injured. According to Safa, the Palestinian Press Agency, the attack happened at 5.10pm. Local sources, such

Summary

First published
May 19, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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.
Suspected belligerent
Israeli Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 17, 2018

Incident Code

RS3291

LOCATION

كفر بطنا, Kafar Batna, Damascus, Syria

Two adult male civilians from the same family died in an alleged Russian or regime air or artillery strike – or rocket fire – on Kafar Batna, according to local media. The Violations Documentation Centre named the two fatalities, and blamed warplanes belonging to the “Syrian government and affiliated militias”. Local Coordination Committees of Syria

Summary

First published
March 17, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
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
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident