The human cost of explosive weapons: New report finds
As the global explosives industry reaches over US$45 billion in value, a new report published by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) found that in June 2025, there were 6,821 deaths and injuries from 732 incidents of explosive violence recorded around the world.
Image by Yana Lyso | Freepik
The data was gathered from English-language media reports on the following factors: the date, time, and location of the incident; the number and circumstances of people killed and injured; the weapon type; the reported user and target; the detonation method; and whether displacement or damage to the location was reported.
According to the report’s findings, civilians accounted for 95 per cent (6,479) of the deaths and injuries recorded. In instances where explosive weapons were used in populated areas, 96 per cent of casualties (6,440) were civilians, as opposed to 43 per cent (74) in lesser-populated areas. Manufactured explosive weapons accounted for 89 per cent (5,773) of civilian casualties, while improvised explosive weapons (IEDs) accounted for four per cent (268) of these civilian casualties in June 2025.
Of the main launch-method types of manufactured explosive weapons, air-launched explosive weapons accounted for 48 per cent (3,117) of civilian casualties, ground-launched weapons were responsible for 34 per cent (2,185) of civilian casualties, and mines were responsible for less than one per cent (21) of civilian casualties.
At least one death or injury from the use of explosive weapons was recorded in 23 countries and territories. The five most affected countries and territories in terms of civilian casualties from the use of explosive weapons were Gaza (2,480 civilian casualties), Ukraine (1,821), Israel (698), Iran (591) and Sudan (256).
In Gaza, Palestine, there were 281 recorded incidents of explosive weapon use, 264 of which caused 2,480 civilian casualties. Out of these, 1,250 were killed and 1,230 injured. Civilian casualties included at least 94 children, 26 women and 32 men. Overall, civilians accounted for 98 per cent of all 2,537 casualties recorded, as there were also 57 reported armed-actor casualties, 31 of whom were killed and 26 injured. All 2,480 civilian casualties occurred in populated areas. Moreover, all civilian casualties were attributed to state actor use of explosive weapons, specifically Israel.
The number of civilian casualties of explosive weapon use in Gaza in June 2025 increased compared to levels recorded in May, as Israel has continued to intensify its bombardment of Gaza. AOAV recorded 395 incidents in May, which caused 2,301 civilian casualties. Out of these, 1,502 were killed and 799 injured. In April, 320 incidents were recorded, which caused 1,560 civilian casualties (1,137 killed, 423 injured).
In Ukraine, there were 261 recorded incidents of explosive weapon use, 259 of which caused 1,821 civilian casualties, 244 of whom were killed and 1,577 injured. Civilian casualties included at least 107 children, 91 women and 101 men. Overall, civilians accounted for 99 per cent of all 1,832 casualties recorded in Ukraine, as there were also 11 reported armed-actor casualties, all of whom were injured. 99.6 per cent (1,088) of civilian casualties occurred in populated areas.
The majority of recorded civilian casualties (99.6 per cent) were attributed to state actor use of explosive weapons, specifically Russia (1,814 civilian casualties). Actors of unknown name and status caused less than one per cent (seven) of civilian casualties.
The number of civilian casualties of explosive weapon use in Ukraine in June 2025 increased compared to levels recorded in May, when 230 incidents caused 1,100 civilian casualties, 166 of whom were killed and 934 injured. In April, 236 incidents were recorded, which caused 1,572 civilian casualties (208 killed, 1,364 injured).
In Israel, there were 23 recorded incidents of explosive weapon use in Israel, 21 of which caused 698 civilian casualties, 33 of whom were killed and 665 injured. Civilian casualties included at least six children, 14 women and nine men. Overall, civilians accounted for 99 per cent of casualties recorded in Israel, as there were also seven reported armed-actor casualties, all of whom were killed. 99.7 per cent (696) of civilian casualties occurred in populated areas. State actors, specifically Iran, accounted for 99.6 per cent (695) of all civilian casualties. Actors of unknown name and status accounted for less than one per cent (three) of civilian casualties.
The number of civilian casualties of explosive weapon use in Israel in June 2025 increased substantially compared to levels recorded in May, due to military escalation between Iran and Israel. In May, AOAV recorded one incident, which caused eight civilian casualties, all of whom were injured. In April, two incidents were recorded, which caused eight civilian casualties, seven of whom were injured and one killed.
In Iran, there were 30 incidents of explosive weapon use recorded in Iran, 17 of which resulted in 591 civilian casualties, 254 of whom were killed and 337 injured. Civilian casualties included at least 23 children, 16 women, and 35 men. Overall, civilians accounted for 88 per cent of all 672 casualties recorded in Iran in June, as 81 armed actor casualties were also recorded, 72 of whom were killed and nine injured. 99.2 per cent (586) of civilian casualties occurred in populated areas. State actors, specifically Israel, accounted for all 672 civilian casualties recorded in June.
Civilian casualties of explosive weapon use in Iran in June 2025 increased significantly compared to May due to military escalation between Iran and Israel. AOAV has not recorded any incidents of explosive violence beyond accidental landmine incidents since January this year, when five civilian casualties were recorded, two of whom were killed and three injured.
Read the full report here.