Explosive violence in Turkey

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 273 incidents of explosive violence in Turkey, resulting in 4,580 casualties, of which 69% (3,148) were reported as civilians. Civilian casualties include at least 96 children, 12 women and 2 men. Of the civilian casualties, 16% (489) were reported as killed.

The four most affected regions in terms of civilian harm as a result of explosive violence over the past decade are Central Anatolia (691 civilian casualties), Istanbul (409), Diyarbakir (289) and Mardin (225).

IEDs were the deadliest form of weapon, accounting for 59% (162) of all incidents recorded between 2014-2023, 88% of total civilian casualties (2,758), and 89% (434) of all civilians killed within the decade.

The majority of harm from explosive weapons use in Afghanistan over the past decade was reportedly perpetrated by non-state actors, who account for 78% (213) of all incidents and caused 97% (3,046) of all civilian casualties, as well as 99% (483) of all civilians killed.