Trends and patterns:
‘Ground-launched weapons’ is the broadest category used by AOAV. It covers mortar fire, grenades shelling, rockets, artillery bombardments, missiles, tank shelling and the use of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
Over the last five years, AOAV recorded 3,453 incidents of use of ground-launched weaponry resulting in 39,347 deaths and injuries. Of these, 32,903 – or 84% – were civilians. This makes for an average of 10 civilian deaths and injuries per incident. This average rose to 12 when ground-launched explosive weapons were used in populated areas.
AOAV recorded the most incidents for grenades (1,002) and mortars (923). Both are commonly available, and grenades in particular are not only restricted to military and paramilitary groups but in some areas are also used by non-state armed actors.
Update 2016:
There have been 6,225 deaths and injuries, of which 75% (4,639) were civilians.
The top 5 most impacted states according to civilian deaths and injuries were: Syria (2,937); Iraq (319); Yemen (198); Burundi (148); Somalia (145)
When used in populated areas, 95% of deaths and injuries were civilians.
In this period, GL weapons were responsible for 19% of civilian deaths and injuries.
Recommended tweets:
The top 4 most impacted states according to civilian deaths and injuries were: #Syria (2,937); #Iraq (319); #Yemen (198) and #Burundi (148)
When Ground-launched explosive weapons are used in populated areas, 95% of deaths and injuries are civilians
In 2016 (Jan-Oct), Ground-launched weapons were responsible for 19% of civilian deaths and injuries
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