Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

March 19, 2016

Incident Code

CS192

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In a second day of airstrikes on Raqqa, 43 civilians were reported killed and 60 injured – though sources are conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime – with one report suggesting this may be a Coalition incident. The Daesh agency Al A’maq said there had been nine

Summary

First published
March 19, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
39 – 43
(5 children7 women)
Civilians reported injured
60
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
12 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2019

Incident Code

CS1895

LOCATION

الباغوز, Al Baghouz, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A woman was reported killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a residential building in Al-Baghouz town. Surrounding houses were also reportedly damaged. In a tweet, Deir Ezzor 24 reported that “The International Alliance Air is targeting a gathering of displaced people on the outskirts of the town of # Al-Baghouz in the eastern countryside

Summary

First published
February 1, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2016

Incident Code

CI225

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

Multiple local sources reported that one civilian was killed and four injured after an oil refinery in northern Mosul was hit by allegedly Coalition aircraft. One source described the civilians as the ‘owners’ of the refinery.  

Summary

First published
April 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
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 2, 2020

Incident Code

RS4500

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported that one man was killed and up to two others injured as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes on the city of Binnish in the Idlib province, on March 2nd 2020. Alleged Russian warplanes carried out two raids on the city of Binnish. The strikes resulted in the death of one civilian

Summary

First published
March 2, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2016

Incident Code

CS217

LOCATION

كلجبرين, Kaljibrin, Aleppo, Syria

A fierce battle for the town of Kaljibrin left up to 39 civilians dead – with both Daesh and the Coalition blamed for the fatalities. So-called Islamic State launched a major assault on Kaljibrin, later releasing a video in which it boasted of capturing weapons there. However Coaltion aircraft then reportedly struck at Daesh forces

Summary

First published
May 27, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
28 – 65
(18–21 children4 women6 men)
Civilians reported injured
12
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
28 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2020

Incident Code

RS4523

LOCATION

عرب سعيد, Arab Saeed, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was reportedly injured as a result of alleged Russian airstrikes on the vicinity of Arab Sa’id village, west of Idlib on September 20th, 2020 at noon according to local sources and news agencies. Edlib Media center said that according to the civil defense one civilian was injured after “eight Russian su34 and su35

Summary

First published
September 20, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerent
Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 23, 2016

Incident Code

CS240

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

In a previously unreported incident, the US admitted six months later that it had killed four civilians in an attack on Raqqa, noting that “June 23, 2016, near Ar Raqqah, Syria, during a strike against an ISIL-held building, it is assessed that four civilians were killed after entering the target area after the aircraft released

Summary

First published
June 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

March 16, 2022

Incident Code

R4443

LOCATION

معارة النعسان, Miznaz, Maarat Al-Naasan, Idlib, Syria

Mustafa Haidar, aged 11, was injured while grazing sheep, when a Russian or Syrian regime forces shell hit him on March 16th 2022, in the town of Miznaz, on the outskirts of Maarat al-Naasan, in the northeastern countryside of Idlib. The Syrian Civil Defense said that they inspected the site that was bombed and made

Summary

First published
March 16, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
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
1 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2016

Incident Code

CI266

LOCATION

القيارة, Qayyarah, Nineveh, Iraq

In an incident not previously tracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the injury of a civilian in an attack on Qayyarah. In November 2016, CENTCOM noted in their civilian casualty report that “during a strike on an ISIL-held building, it is assessed that one civilian was killed.” In April 2017 the Coalition revised its

Summary

First published
July 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

April 18, 2022

Incident Code

TS501

LOCATION

خضراوي, Khadrawi village, Al Hassakah, Syria

One young girl was injured in alleged Turkish artillery shelling of the village of Khadrawi on April 18, 2022. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a little girl was injured by Turkish artillery shelling of her family’s house in Khadrawi village. SOHR added that “Turkish intensive shelling on the countryside of Tel

Summary

First published
April 18, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
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
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 4, 2016

Incident Code

CI274

LOCATION

بعويزة, Mosul, Baweiza, Nineveh, Iraq

An alleged Coalition airstrike in the Baoizh area of Mosul (or Bo’weza) reportedly killed a female child and injured four other civilians. According to NRN News, a Coalition strike killed a number of Daesh militants but also killed a number of civilians, including a little girl who died under the rubble.  

Summary

First published
August 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4
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

August 14, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM140-C

LOCATION

Vicinity of Baladul-Rahma and Geeshaan, near Basraa, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

In a major Amnesty International report on civilian harm in Somalia, published in March 2019, the NGO made passing reference to a civilian harm event on August 14th the previous year in the vicinity of Baladul-Rahma and Geeshaan, near Basraa. According to the report, “on 14 August 2018, the US military conducted additional air strikes

Summary

First published
August 14, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

September 15, 2016

Incident Code

CS313 RS1266

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

In what was widely reported as a Russian action, at least 27 civilians died and more than 70 were injured following airstrikes on Al Mayadeen. Almost all sources including Daesh blamed Russia. Deir Ezzor is Being Slaughtered said 6 Russian planes carried out 20 strikes between them, including on a children’s playground. Shaam News added

Summary

First published
September 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Infrastructure
Healthcare
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
27 – 40
(9 children4–8 women)
Civilians reported injured
70
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, Syrian Regime
Named victims
24 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 7, 2011

Incident Code

USYEM035-B

LOCATION

المحفد, Al Mahfed, Abyan, Yemen

An alleged US Predator drone strike struck a makeshift Al Qaeda checkpoint in Mihfed, Abyan Province killing up to 10 members of Al Qaeda and wounding as many as dozens more. There are currently no known reports of civilian harm. AFP reported that a local security official said that the US drone strike had killed

Summary

First published
September 7, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Geolocation
Belligerents reported killed
3–10
Belligerents reported injured
2–24
View Incident

Incident date

June 29, 2022

Incident Code

TS522

LOCATION

حسن عرب, Arab Hassan, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians, children, were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes/artillery strikes on Arab Hassan village in northern Manbij countryside on June 29, 2022. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, two civilians were killed when Turkish forces shelled the outskirts of Arab Hassan village in northern Manbij countryside. Manbij Media Center reported that

Summary

First published
June 29, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(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
Turkish Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2016

Incident Code

CI314

LOCATION

الكرامة, Karama (Mosul), Nineveh, Iraq

According to a single local report that a family was killed by airstrikes in Karama, Mosul. Mosul Eye reported, an entire family was killed during a bombardment in Al-Karama neighbourhood. It said that no information about their number was available. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

First published
November 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2022

Incident Code

USSOM348

LOCATION

Labi-Kus, Lower Juba, Somalia

An AFRICOM declared US airstrike in coordination with Somali Army commandos resulted in the death of up to five Al-Shabab fighters near Labi-Kus village on July 17, 2022. Somali National News Agency (SONNA), a Somali government-run news agency, tweeted that “three #Alshabab terrorists were killed and one was captured after Somali National Army’s commandos (#DANAB) attacked

Summary

First published
July 17, 2022
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 injured
2–5
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2016

Incident Code

CI333

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, East, Nineveh, Iraq

Airwars’ Iraq researcher met three young victims of violence in eastern Mosul at an evacuation centre. The three children were all boys aged between 10-11 years. Two were brothers who had been injured by an unidentified explosion outside their home in eastern Mosul on November 14th. The third said he had been injured by an

Summary

First published
November 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2022

Incident Code

TS541

LOCATION

قرية جديدة, Jadida village, Raqqa, Syria

At least one civilian was injured in the alleged Turkish bombing of the village of Jadida on August 8, 2022. According to a correspondent for Hawar News, a “citizen” named Farhan Muhammad Bashir, 26, was wounded by Turkish bombing of Ain Issa. A Facebook post from Live voice specified that the bombing occurred in Jadida

Summary

First published
August 8, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
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
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2016

Incident Code

CI348

LOCATION

الموصل‎, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq

There were claims by local sources that as many as 70 civilian casualties occurred in Mosul as a result of Coalition strikes, ISIL bombardment or Iraq Army actions. Iraqi Spring Media Center reported that 70 civilians were killed or wounded by “either” the Coalition or Iraqi government artillery. Other reports put the toll lower, including

Summary

First published
November 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
35–65
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

June 13, 2021

Incident Code

TI062

LOCATION

قلعة دزة, Qalaat Diza, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

At least four people were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes in the Qalaat Diza region, on the road between the villages of Deka and Kani Lane, on June 13, 2021. While the majority of sources refer to those killed as civilians, Turkish sources allege they five members of the PKK were killed. According to North

Summary

First published
June 13, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 4
(0–1 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Belligerents reported killed
0–5
View Incident

Incident date

December 9, 2016

Incident Code

CS409

LOCATION

معيزيلة, Ma'yezila, Raqqa, Syria

Between 17 and 32 civilians were reported killed and a further 20 or more injured following alleged Coalition strikes on Ma’yezila. According to Riba FM, the strike took place near the town’s Alh mosque. Raqqa News Network reported that “Al-Ma’yzila’s population is less than 300 and they all have the same grandfather. More than 28

Summary

First published
December 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17 – 32
(7–10 children3 women)
Civilians reported injured
20
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
10 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2019

Incident Code

YS082

LOCATION

عون الدادات , Aoun Al Dadat, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that a sniper on a checkpoint belonging to SDF/YPG shot dead a civilian in Aoun al Dadat village in Manbej, Aleppo on December 28th, 2019. Shaam Netowk reported that “Mohamed Sheikho Al-Hamloush, known as ‘Abu Al-Miz’, from Aoun Al-Dadat village, was transporting a passenger by his motorcycle to the village separating between 

Summary

First published
December 28, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
YPG
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 1, 2017

Incident Code

CS424

LOCATION

سرمدا, Sarmada, Idlib, Syria

Targeted air or drone strikes – most likely unilateral US actions – reportedly killed two high ranking militants along with a number of fighters. However sources also claimed there were civilian casualties. There were two reported evening attacks. In the first, a car was destroyed on the Sarmada-Bab al Hawa road, killing four people inside.

Summary

First published
January 1, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2020

Incident Code

YS084

LOCATION

عفرين, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

At least one child and one woman were killed in alleged YPG artillery strikes on the city of Afrin, Aleppo governorate on January 20th, 2020. Up to five civilians, including two children, were injured, as reported by local sources. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that “the child Muhammad Mar’i and Mrs. Turfah Meqdeh

Summary

First published
January 20, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
YPG
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 9, 2017

Incident Code

CI408

LOCATION

حي المثنى, Mosul, Muthana, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources and relatives of victims said that Coalition airstrikes targeted a family house in Muthanna neighborhood northeast of Mosul. The raids reportedly killed a named civilian (53) with his mother (81) who could not leave her house due to her sickness while the son refused to abandon her. Alaraby named Omar Abdel-Hamid al-Hamdani and

Summary

First published
January 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 15, 2022

Incident Code

YS150

LOCATION

أولشلي, Oleshli, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian, a sheikh at a local mosque, was injured by shrapnel from either heavy machine guns or auto cannon fire in the village of Oleshli on September 15, 2022. According to the Syrian Civil Defense, a civilian was wounded by heavy machine guns from the areas controlled by the regime forces and

Summary

First published
September 15, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Infrastructure
Religious
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
YPG, Syrian Regime
Geolocation
Nearby landmark
View Incident

Incident date

January 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS446

LOCATION

الثورة‎, Tabaqah, Raqqa, Syria

Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that “Coalition planes launched a raid last night on al Tabaqa targeting the villas area in the First neighbourhood [Al Awwal neighbouhood] which led to the injury of several civilians.”    

Summary

First published
January 17, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2022

Incident Code

R4478

LOCATION

قرية الصحن, Al Sahen village, Idlib, Syria

One child was injured by alleged Syrian regime or Russian artillery shelling of the village of Al Sahen on October 20, 2022. According to the @SyriaCivilDefe, a child was injured by artillery shelling of the village of Al Sahen carried out by Russian and Syrian regime forces. The Civil Defense forces assisted the injured child

Summary

First published
October 20, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
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
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

January 31, 2017

Incident Code

CS467

LOCATION

القطعة, Al Qata, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One person was reported killed in an alleged Coalition strike on al Qata – though it was not clear whether they were a civilian or a combatant. According to the Syrian Observatory, “warplanes believed to be affiliated to the International coalition targeted places in the desert of the town of Qata eastern Deir Ezzor, which

Summary

First published
January 31, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
View Incident