Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

April 28, 2020

Incident Code

TI035

LOCATION

Xakurke, Erbil, Iraq

Two civilians were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes in Xakurke area, Erbil province, on April 28th 2020, according to local sources. Another man was severely injured. Hengaw wrote that Fakhir Tazaward (35) and Rasheed Miro (36) from the city Oshnavieh, Iranian Kurdistan areas, were killed in a Turkish airstrike as they were collecting plants in the mountains. Other

Summary

First published
April 28, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
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

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

LQ040

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Sabri, Benghazi, Libya

Various local sources reported heavy joint LNA and UAE air raids on “terrorist targets” in multiple Benghazi neighbourhoods near Sabri, the fish market and Sidi Akhribesh. The 18 UAE strikes were reportedly conducted by aircraft including an AT-802U. There were no public reports of civilian harm at the time.

Summary

First published
April 18, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 16, 2020

Incident Code

LC400

LOCATION

ميدان الاربعة شوارع, 4 Streets Square, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was allegedly injured by shelling on the Hadaba area of Tripoli. Tk Yahrouq Kl shy wrote: “A shell landed in the 4 streets Al Haddad in the Hadaba area, and a civilian was wounded by shrapnel.” There is currently no further information available. Reports of fighting in the area point at GNA or

Summary

First published
May 16, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

October 25, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr108

LOCATION

عيشمة, Ayshamah, Al Bayda, Yemen

A US airstrike killed seven ISIS militants “traveling in a truck in a rural area of al-Bayda” governorate on October 25th 2017, a US Central Command spokesperson told CNN News, one of two declared strikes against the group in the area that day. This confirmed local reports that US drone strikes had killed at least

Summary

First published
October 25, 2017
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 targets
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), ISIS - Yemen
Belligerents reported killed
6–7
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2020

Incident Code

LC407

LOCATION

عين زارة, Ain Zara, Tarabulus, Libya

Five civilians were reported injured by LNA shelling on Ain Zara. Tk Yahroug Kl shy posted: “A report from the ambulance and rescue teams in the emergency apparatus reported that shells had fallen on houses in the Ain Zara area, and there are wounded civilians who are now being treated.” The Field Medicine and Support

Summary

First published
May 28, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5
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
Libyan National Army
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr183

LOCATION

ذي كالب, Dhi Kalb, Al Bayda, Yemen

At least five alleged AQAP militants, including at least one leadership figure, were reportedly killed by a US drone strike in Dhi Kalb, in the Quraishiah area of Bayda governorate, overnight from November 24th-25th 2018.  There were no known associated reports of civilian harm. Most sources reported that six militants had been killed, though differed

Summary

First published
November 24, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
5–8
View Incident

Incident date

June 12, 2020

Incident Code

IRS005

LOCATION

الفوعه, Al Fou’a, Idlib, Syria

Five children were reportedly injured in alleged Iranian airstrikes on the town of Al Fou’a, Idlib governorate, on June 12th, 2020, according to conflicting reports. @FdzPWRe6ruAGFPd tweeted that “five children were injured due to an unknown explosion in the town of Al Fou’a in the northern countryside of Idlib. Conflicting reports stated that it was

Summary

First published
June 12, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Iranian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr093

LOCATION

كوكب, Kawkab, Abyan, Yemen

A US drone strike reportedly targeted at least one alleged AQAP militant, described as a leadership figure, near Kawkab village, in the Mudiyah district of Abyan governorate, on the evening of July 30th 2017. There were no known associated reports of civilian harm. According to @demolinari, the strike targeted the vehicle of a “local AQAP

Summary

First published
July 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported injured
1–2
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM186a-C

LOCATION

IVO Janay Abdalle, Lower Juba, Somalia

An unspecified number was allegedly killed by a US strike on Janay Abdalle, which AFRICOM later discounted. In first quarterly civilian casualty assessment it says: “February 3, 2019, AFRICOM received one allegation from an online media source claiming an unspecified number of civilians were killed from an airstrike in the vicinity of Janay Abdalle, Somalia,

Summary

First published
February 1, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
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
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

September 7, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM317

LOCATION

IVO Janay Abdalle, Lower Juba, Somalia

Several militants were allegedly killed or injured by an Al Shabaab VBIED and subsequent exchange of gunfire near Janay Cabdalle. The New York Times reported: “Three Somali military officers were killed and two others injured along with an American service member in a bombing in southern Somalia on Monday, the authorities said, the latest example

Summary

First published
September 7, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
4–17
Belligerents reported injured
3–12
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2020

Incident Code

TS457

LOCATION

المالكية‎, Al Malikiyah, Al Hassakah, Syria

Two civilians were reported injured in Al-Malikya, Hasakah in Syria allegedly when Turkish forces opened fire on civilians working in their field on November 18th. ANHA named the two civilians as Haytham Ali from Mazra Khawari, and Shafan Bouti from Mazra Bani village. The latter was wounded in the leg, which led to cutting nerves

Summary

First published
November 18, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
Turkish Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2017

Incident Code

RS2488

LOCATION

لطمين, Latmeen, Hama, Syria

One woman  was injured in alleged Russia airstrikes against the village of Latmeen in the northern countryside of Hama, according to multiple local sources.

Summary

First published
September 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 4, 2021

Incident Code

YS096

LOCATION

قربة أم البراميل, Umm Al Baramil, Raqqa, Syria

Two 13-year-old boys were reported killed in alleged SDF artillery strikes on Umm Al Baramil village, also known as Shikuru, east of Ain Issa, on January 4th, 2020, according to local sources. Other sources, however, stated the incident was a landmine or an unexploded ordnance explosion, which means that the strike itself could have taken

Summary

First published
January 4, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
YPG
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2018

Incident Code

RS2895

LOCATION

كفرزيتا, Kafr Zeita, Hama, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly wounded in alleged Russian or regime air and artillery strikes which struck Kafr Zeita. There were no reports of any civilian deaths. All sources either blamed Russia, or did not attribute blame to a belligerent. According to local media, Russian aircraft bombarded the vicinity with the use of concussion bombs. Smart

Summary

First published
January 13, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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

September 23, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-178

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

One child was allegedly killed by NATO airstrike on Sirte. Nour al din Al Nasser Al Zanki remembered his death in 2015 saying: “Mohammed Khaled Al-Rayani, 6 years, killed 23/9/2011. A shrapnel hit the head in his father’s car.” Azden.sert also commemorated his death posting a picture of him. NATO on that day reported hitting

Summary

First published
September 23, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 5, 2013

Incident Code

USSOM027

LOCATION

Baraawe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

At least one and as many as seven al Shabaab militants were killed in a naval raid carried out by US forces in Barawe, Lower Shabelle, international media reported. There were no reports of civilian harm. It was not at first clear who was the target of the raid. Reports varied from an unnamed Chechen;

Summary

First published
October 5, 2013
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1–7
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-037

LOCATION

أولاد أبوالهول, Awlad Abu Al Houl , Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

On March 18th, 2011, it was reported by a single source that pro-Gaddafi forces had bombed a residential area in Awlad Abu Al Houl, wounding at least six people. This claim was only reported by al Jazeera, and was unable to be confirmed from any currently available sources.

Summary

First published
March 18, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM069

LOCATION

Hawina, north of Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

Somali news outlet Mareeg reported a suspected drone strike on an al Shabaab controlled village. Mareeg reported an eyewitness as saying: “We heard several bomb explosion caused by drone airstrikes in Hawina village.” He added: “It is not clear how many people have been killed or wounded it is very difficult to know the real

Summary

First published
February 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2016

Incident Code

CI383

LOCATION

الانتصار, Mosul, Intisar, Nineveh, Iraq

Summary

First published
December 30, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
View Incident

Incident date

June 17, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-109

LOCATION

الهبارة, Al Habara , Misrata, Libya

On June 17th 2011, pro-Gaddafi forces shelled the city of Misurata, killing ten including eight named victims and wounding 40, according to Reuters. The status of some of those harmed was unclear. The news agency said: “In Misurata, opposition spokesman Ahmed Hassan said 10 civilians were killed and 40 others wounded when pro-Gaddafi forces bombed

Summary

First published
June 17, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
40
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
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
8 named
Belligerents reported killed
2–9
Belligerents reported injured
0–40
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM105

LOCATION

Bur Elade, Bay, Somalia

AFRICOM reported on the same day that it had “conducted an airstrike in Somalia against an al-Shabaab camp on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at approximately 10:30 a.m. local Somalia time”. It added that “the operation occurred 125 miles northwest of the capital, Mogadishu” though AFRICOM made no mention of civilian harm. However, it claimed that the

Summary

First published
November 21, 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
Belligerents reported killed
100–105
View Incident

Incident date

September 16, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-166

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

Several civilians were allegedly killed by Rebel forces shelling on Sirte. A UN report stated: “Thuwar forces used Grad rockets, artillery shells and RPGs, as well as small and medium calibre weapons in their assault on Sirte. They launched barrages of Grad rockets hitting residential areas like Area 1, Hay al-Dollar, and Montaza. Residents told

Summary

First published
September 16, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan rebel forces
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM142

LOCATION

46 km northeast of Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

US forces carried out a strike on August 21st, killing two al Shabaab fighters, according to a press release from US Africa Command. The strike hit approximately 46 kilometers northeast of Kismayo, a port city in southern Somalia. The Command said it had assessed that no civilians were killed or injured in this strike. US

Summary

First published
August 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-143

LOCATION

كوبرى الهضبة الشرقية , Eastern Hill Bridge, Tarabulus, Libya

Between 60 and 72 people were killed near the Eastern Hill Bridge on a highway in Tripoli by Gaddafi forces on August 21, 2011 according to multiple posts and videos, including Gharyan Radio and Libyan People Youtube. A video posted by Wasat Al Bilad shows multiple men with guns blocking a road and interacting with

Summary

First published
August 21, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
60 – 72
(2 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
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM188

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

US Africa Command reported that it had conducted an  airstrike “in the vicinity of Gandarshe, Lower Shebelle Region, Somalia, on February 3, 2019”. AFRICOM added that “at this time, it was assessed no civilians were injured or killed in either airstrike.” It did not specify whether any belligerent forces had been killed or injured. According to

Summary

First published
February 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Unknown
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1–5
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2016

Incident Code

RS1805

LOCATION

سرحا, Sarha, Hama, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Sarha, according to sources on the ground, There was no mention of civilian deaths. @abomohammad441, @HalabNewsN and LCCSY all pointed to Russia as the culprit.    

Summary

First published
December 28, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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

February 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-014

LOCATION

نادي الحيا, Nadi Al Hiyat Football Ground, Misrata, Libya

On February 19th, 2011, four protestors were shot by Gaddafi security forces, and between three to five other protestors were injured in Misrata. Amnesty and Wiki News confirmed the casualties. Among the victims were Khaled Abu Shahma, a 42 year old firefighter and father of seven, Ali Hussein al-Dweik, a 43 year old journalist, and

Summary

First published
February 19, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
3–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2020

Incident Code

TI038C

LOCATION

آناه, Anah, Erbil, Syria

Rudaw.net reported that a civilian was killed in alleged Turkish shelling on the village of Anah in Hajj Omran in Erbil on June 19th, 2020. The source said that “the Turkish shelling targeted the village of Anah in Hajj Omran in the district of Joman in the governorate of Erbil, killing a shepherd, bringing the number

Summary

First published
June 19, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

January 19, 2018

Incident Code

RS2914

LOCATION

كفرنبودة, Kafr Nbooda, Hama, Syria

One man was reported as wounded by local media, due to alleged Russian airstrikes on Kafr Nbooda. Both sources attributed blame to Russia. Step News Agency reported that “several air raids targeting the farms”, resulting in an unspecified number of wounded civilians. Smart reported that one man was wounded in the raids. There are no

Summary

First published
January 19, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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