Explosive violence in Iraq

AOAV’s Explosive Violence Monitor, launched in October 2010, uses English-language media reports to capture information on the harm caused by explosive weapons around the world. This data is used by international organisations, researchers, journalists and advocacy groups to campaign for reduced civilian harm as a result of explosive violence.

Over the past decade (2014-2023), AOAV has recorded 3,623 incidents of explosive violence in Iraq, resulting in 47,760 casualties, of which 69% (32,806) were reported as civilians. Civilian casualties include at least 666 children, 417 women and 55 men. Of the civilian casualties, 35% (11,403) were reported as killed.

The five most affected regions in terms of civilian harm as a result of explosive violence over the past decade are Baghdad (15,595 civilian casualties), Nineveh (5,387), Anbar (3,314), Diyala (2,606), and Salahuddin (2,228).

IEDs were the deadliest form of weapon, accounting for 60% (2,178) of all incidents recorded between 2014-2023, 68% of total civilian casualties (22,439), and 58% (6,626) of all civilians killed within the decade.

The majority of harm from explosive weapons use in Iraq over the past decade was reportedly perpetrated by non-state actors, who account for 48% (1,729) of all incidents and caused 42% (13,861) of all civilian casualties, as well as 39% (4,478) of all civilians killed.