The upcoming tribunal challenging the UK Ministry of Defence’s refusal to disclose details on civilian casualties in Iraq and Syria marks a crucial moment for military transparency, with Airwars advocating for openness akin to that of the US and Dutch governments.

AOAV’s report documents the profound impact of the 100 deadliest IED attacks over the past decade, indicating a pressing need for global policy change to address the ongoing threat.

AOAV a mené une étude complète examinant les 100 événements les plus meurtriers pour les civils causés par des EEI dans le monde entier entre 2013 et 2022.

In his 2023 lecture at the Festival of Writing and Ideas, Dr. Iain Overton reflects on the persistent suffering of war victims throughout history, underscoring the critical need for empathy towards those fleeing from conflict zones, challenging discriminatory media rhetoric, and urging us to recognise our shared humanity in order to foster a compassionate, welcoming society.

The UK’s Special Forces have been reported on operations in almost twenty countries in just over 10 years. Here we outline why this might be concern.

Data on costs associated with Defence Loan Service Personnel to 85 countries, including human rights priority nations, reveal global cost of up to £40m in 2022.

The Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights report highlights that the UK’s growing military partnerships risk increased civilian harm and decreased accountability, urging the need for stronger civilian harm mitigation policies.

An investigation by the Guardian and Airwars reveals discrepancies in the UK government’s account of civilian casualties in airstrikes against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, raising questions about transparency and accountability in military operations.

AOAV’s analysis found that RAF airstrikes in Iraq and Syria between 2016 and 2018 resulted in at least 29 civilian deaths, raising questions over the RAF’s civilian casualty recording and accountability.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War, AOAV looks back at the war’s continuing legacy on civilian harm from explosive weapon use in the country. 

AOAV recorded an 83% increase in civilian casualties of explosive weapon use in 2022.

Over the past decade, from 2013 to 2022, AOAV recorded 30,433 incidents of explosive weapons use across 122 countries. These incidents caused 343,377 reported casualties, of which 72% (245,841) were reported as civilians.