Report: Increased Attacks with Explosive Weapons and Drones
A new report reveals a near tripling of attacks on schools and hospitals using explosive weapons in the past year. The use of drones in such attacks has also significantly increased, impacting civilian areas.
The use of explosive weapons in civilian areas escalated significantly in 2025, with a particular surge in attacks on schools and hospitals, according to the Explosivwaffen-Monitor 2025 report released by Handicap International (HI) and its partner organizations within the INEW network. At least 22,600 civilians were killed last year due to the use of explosive weapons. Victim numbers rose notably in Ukraine, Yemen, and Syria, while truces in Gaza and Lebanon reduced violence.
The report highlights a concerning trend in attacks targeting civilian infrastructure. Incidents involving schools and universities nearly tripled, and assaults on healthcare facilities and humanitarian aid operations also saw substantial increases. Drones accounted for 67% of all incidents where civilians were harmed. For instance, drone attacks on schools in Ukraine surged by 358%, and similar attacks on aid camps in Gaza rose from 64 to 303.
The widespread deployment of explosive weapons in populated areas, now affecting 65 countries and territories, is blurring the lines between combatants and civilians. "We are particularly shocked that an increasing number of countries and territories – a total of 65 – are affected by this practice," stated Dr. Eva Maria Fischer, Head of Political Affairs at Handicap International Germany. "The use of explosive weapons in populated areas systematically deprives civilians of access to vital facilities: schools, hospitals, aid convoys, water pipelines, and food markets are being destroyed more extensively, in more locations, and by more actors."
Attacks on humanitarian aid increased by 52%, resulting in the deaths of at least 108 aid workers. Attacks targeting food distribution and water infrastructure were also common. The report defines explosive weapons as various types of ammunition, including aerial bombs, mortar shells, rockets, drones, and artillery shells. The wide-area effect and inaccuracy of these weapons cause significant civilian casualties and leave dangerous unexploded remnants that can threaten populations for many years after conflict.