Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) records incidents of explosive violence as they occur around the world. Since 1 October 2010 AOAV has used English-language media sources to capture information on attacks, including on the number of casualties and the weapon type used.
In June 2015, AOAV recorded a total of 4,343 deaths and injuries from explosive violence worldwide. Civilians made up 77% of this total (3,331). In June, Syria was the country with the highest number of civilian casualties. AOAV data also shows a global spread of suicide bombings, associated with extremist group Islamic State (ISIS).
The June update can be downloaded here
Top Story: Global spread of ISIS suicide bombings
In June 2015 AOAV recorded 29 attacks involving the reported suicide of the perpetrator. These attacks caused 1,102 deaths and injuries, 78% of whom were civilians (862). On 26 June, a bomber detonated explosives inside the Imam Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait. The attack took place during afternoon prayers, and killed 27 worshippers, injuring another 200. Kuwait had never before been victim to a suicide attack.
The bombing is further evidence of a spread of ISIS attacks. Islamic State, or ISIS, claimed responsibility for suicide bombings in at least four countries this month, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. In previous months, ISIS suicide bombings have also been claimed in Lebanon, Libya and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, extremist group Boko Haram changed its name to reflect an allegiance to Islamic State on 8 May. That declaration has coincided with a string of deadly suicide bombings in northern Nigerian cities, the reason why both Nigeria and Kuwait are in AOAV’s list of most-affected countries in June 2015.
Aid In Danger: Barrel bombs destroys medical facilities in Syria
By Insecurity Insight: www.aidindanger.org
On 10 June, a barrel bomb exploded just outside the Medicines Sans Frontieres (MSF) supported medical centre in Aleppo damaging medical equipment and the pharmacy. The hospital’s post-operative room was knocked out of service.
On the evening of 15 June the Busra hospital in Dara’a governorate was destroyed after it was hit by ten barrel bombs. It was the only health facility providing neonatal care and dialysis services in Dara’a.
MSF knows of nine health structures attacked since May 2015 and states that 40% of hospitals currently operating in East Aleppo have been affected. Patients seek alternative medical facilities but there are few options and some specialized services remain inaccessible. MSF.
Damage and destruction of health infrastructure drives up indirect conflict mortality because people needing medical care cannot access the help they require. The number of people who die in a conflict zones above the expected mortality rate is influenced by how badly the functioning of the health infrastructure is affected by violence.
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