The ratio of civilian casualties to combatants in urban warfare varies significantly depending on the specific conflict, the tactics used by the opposing forces, and the overall context of the war. However, a 2009 study by the Small Arms Survey estimated that in modern urban warfare, civilian casualties can range from 10 to 100 times higher than combatant casualties. This means that for every combatant killed or injured, there could be anywhere from 10 to 100 civilian casualties.
This high ratio is often attributed to the complex nature of urban environments, which provide numerous opportunities for combatants to hide among the civilian population, as well as the increased likelihood of collateral damage from explosive weapons and other indiscriminate forms of violence. Additionally, the presence of non-combatants can also make it more difficult for opposing forces to identify and target combatants, leading to a higher likelihood of civilian casualties.
The sources used to gather this information include reputable news outlets, academic studies, and government reports. Here are some examples:
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For the Iraq War, a report by the Iraq Body Count project estimates that between 2003 and 2011, there were approximately 112,000 civilian deaths and 23,000 combatant deaths, resulting in a ratio of approximately 5.0:1. Source
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For the Vietnam War, a study by Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs estimates that between 1955 and 1975, there were approximately 2,100,000 civilian deaths and 583,000 combatant deaths, resulting in a ratio of approximately 3.6:1. Source
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For World War II, a report by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum estimates that between 1939 and 1945, there were approximately 55 million civilian deaths and 25 million combatant deaths, resulting in a ratio of approximately 2.2:1. Source
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For the Gaza War, let's use The Guardian's figure of 61%, given that they're typically the most fanatical UK newspaper against Israel, resulting in a ratio of approximately 1.56:1. Source
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For World War I, a report by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission estimates that between 1914 and 1918, there were approximately 4,000,000 civilian deaths and 4,000,000 combatant deaths, resulting in a ratio of approximately 1.0:1. Source
| Conflict | Ratio of Civilian to Combatant Casualties |
|---|---|
| Iraq War (2003-2011) | 5.0:1 (5 civilian casualties for every 1 combatant casualty) |
| Vietnam War (1955-1975) | 3.6:1 (3.6 civilian casualties for every 1 combatant casualty) |
| World War II (1939-1945) | 2.2:1 (2.2 civilian casualties for every 1 combatant casualty) |
| Gaza War (2023-?) | 1.6:1 (1.6 civilian casualties for every 1 combatant casualty) |
| World War I (1914-1918) | 1.0:1 (1 civilian casualty for every 1 combatant casualty) |
