All Belligerents in Libya, 2011

Mourners in Majer, Libya in 2011 following a NATO airstrike which killed at least 34 civilians, according to multiple reports. Image courtesy of Sidney Kwiram/ Human Rights Watch

Belligerent
Country
Libya
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

May 29, 2023

Incident Code

LC436

LOCATION

عين زارة, Ain Zara, Tarabulus, Libya

A civilian man was injured by shelling between “Al Radaa” and “Brigade 444”, one of which is loyal to the Government of National Unity, which struck his home in Ain Zara on May 29, 2023. A tweet from @ObservatoryLY reported that a house in Ain Zara was hit by a shell during clashes between “Al

Summary

First published
May 29, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Geolocation
Neighbourhood/area
View Incident

Incident date

May 12, 2019

Incident Code

LC138

LOCATION

ناصر, Naser, Al Zawiyah, Libya

Up to three civilians were allegedly killed in an airstrike on Naser. Different sources accused the LNA, UAE or Egypt. Ibrahim Kasuda said: “The UAE assault plane targets a citizen’s car in the village of Naser in the south of Zawiya, killing all in the car and the supporters of Haftar describe it as an

Summary

First published
May 12, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Libyan National Army, Unknown, Egyptian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2018

Incident Code

LC099

LOCATION

العوينات, Al Uwaynat, Ghat, Libya

Eleven civilians were reported killed as a result of a US airstrike near Al Uwaynat. The event marks the biggest single allegation of civilian harm against the United States in Libya so far. Initial reports had indicated that the US had targeted Al Qaeda members with a precision strike near the town in the south

Summary

First published
November 29, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 11
(11 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Named victims
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-137

LOCATION

مجمعات قفوز وجرود السكنية, Gafuz and Jarud residential compounds, Marqab, Libya

Between 34 and 85 civilians were allegedly killed in NATO airstrikes on the Majer area of Zliten. The event marks the biggest reported loss of civilian life from NATO strikes during the first Libyan Civil War. An Amnesty International field investigation found: “On the evening of 8 August 2011 two houses were struck in Majer

Summary

First published
August 8, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
34 – 85
(8–33 children8–32 women18–20 men)
Civilians reported injured
32–38
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
34 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 19, 2019

Incident Code

LC119

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

One child allegedly died from indiscriminate artillery shelling on Qasr Bin Gashir near Tripoli. Mohamed Al Terhouni posted on Facebook: “Today my wife’s cousin, Radwan Milad Attiya, died because of a mortar shell. My wife’s brother and his cousin were slightly injured.” Mohammed A Alhise said that the two injured were both cousin’s of Attiya.

Summary

First published
April 19, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2023

Incident Code

LC437

LOCATION

العجيلات, Al Ajailat, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

One civilian named Ali Balkour was killed by alleged Government of National Unity (Turkish) drone strikes on the Al Shabika area in the city of Al Ajailat on May 31, 2023. A tweet from @aleasima_17 reported that three raids in the Al Shabika area resulted in the death of Ali Balkour inside a wine factory. Other

Summary

First published
May 31, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2019

Incident Code

LC140

LOCATION

الملجأ, Almalja, Tarabulus, Libya

Up to six civilians were reported killed by indiscriminate shelling on Qasr Bin Gashir, likely conducted by the GNA. The General Command of the Libyan Armed Forces showed the image of an injured child. Qasr Bin Gashir Official reported the death of Ahmed al-Mazougi. Qalam Rasas said: “The death toll has risen to 6, including

Summary

First published
May 14, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
7
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC100a

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

Mahmoud Shalbik, a 23-year-old university student from Tripoli, was reportedly killed during armed clashes in the Libyan capital. While most sources reported he was killed by stray bullet, UNSMIL said the “student at the University of Tripoli, Faculty of Economics, was killed at his home as result of incriminate shelling.” Abdulrahman Ghummied stated on Twitter:

Summary

First published
January 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 15, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-162

LOCATION

الحي رقم 2, Neighbourhood No 2, Surt, Libya

Between 30 and 64 civilians were allegedly killed in a NATO airstrike on neighbourhood No 2 in Sirte. Mustafa Al Fitouri wrote in his book, naming 46 civilians: “The seventh air strike took place in Sirte on 15th September at 7pm where the warplanes targeted a gathering of civilian vehicles inside and near it a

Summary

First published
September 15, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
30 – 64
(2 children4 women27 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
64 named, 3 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 19, 2019

Incident Code

LC120

LOCATION

مدرسة تحرير ليبيا, Tahrer School, Tarabulus, Libya

One child was reportedly killed by indiscriminate artillery shelling on Qasr Bin Gashir. Riyadh Burshan said that Teqwa Abu Bakr Awn died after a shell landed in Qasr Bin Gashir. Libyan News said it was near the School of Liberation. Other sources published similar reports. According to local sources, GNA and LNA were fighting in

Summary

First published
April 19, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-111

LOCATION

بيت علي مخر الغراري, House of Ali Mukhar Al Gharari, Tarabulus, Libya

Between five and nine civilians were reported killed in a NATO airstrike on Tripoli. NATO later acknowledged likely causing civilian harm in the event. Amnesty gave a detailed account of the incident in its Libya investigation: “On 19 June 2011 at about 1.30 am the home of Mukhtar al-Gharari, located in a densely built-up area

Summary

First published
June 19, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(2 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
18
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known targets
Gaddafi forces, Other
Named victims
12 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-073

LOCATION

باب العزيزية, Bab Al Azizia, Tarabulus, Libya

Three civilians were reported killed in a NATO airstrike near Tripoli. Breaking News posted on Twitter: “Libya update: 3 die when NATO airstrike hits parking lot at Gadhafi compound in Tripoli – Govt. spokesman via Reuters.” Other sources published similar news, referring back to the government spokesperson. The Huffington post reported that the area was

Summary

First published
April 22, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

May 25, 2022

Incident Code

LC429

LOCATION

أبو سليم, Abo Salim, Tarabulus, Libya

A mortar shell injured at least two civilians when it hit Omdurman, the Abu Salim area of Tripoli, Libya on May 25th 2022, according to local sources. According to @KhaledDernah3, the injuries were of the “city team player”, Anwar Makhlouf, and his friend, Fathi Baira, who had minor injuries. Both were transferred to Al-Khadra Hospital

Summary

First published
May 25, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
Geolocation
Neighbourhood/area
View Incident

Incident date

April 20, 2019

Incident Code

LC122

LOCATION

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tarabulus, Libya

One man was reportedly killed by indiscrimiante shelling on Tajoura. Libyan News Network said that “Abu Bakr al-Ghoriani from the Wadi al Rabie neighborhood” was killed “after being hit by shrapnel.” Local reports of fighting point at the GNA or LNA as the perpetrator of the shelling.

Summary

First published
April 20, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-114

LOCATION

صرمان, Surman, Al Zawiyah, Libya

Between 13 and 19 civilians were reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Surman. The New York Times published a detailed report of the event: “The Qaddafi government used the strike for propaganda purposes. It claimed as many as 19 civilians were killed and put up portraits of the victims across Tripoli. Khaled offered a

Summary

First published
June 20, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 19
(5 children4 women3 men)
Civilians reported injured
3–6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
NATO forces
Named victims
13 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2019

Incident Code

LC106

LOCATION

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tarabulus, Libya

The doctor Jumua Ghouma was reported killed from indiscriminate shelling on Tajoura. The Times reported: “Another doctor, Jumua Ghouma, was killed while off-duty when a shell fell on his house.” Abdulrahman Ghummied said his home was in the Wadi al Rabie area of Tajoura. Khaled Sherif posted that he was the head of the laboratory

Summary

First published
April 7, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2022

Incident Code

LC428

LOCATION

جنزور, Jamila Triangle, Janzour, Tarabulus, Libya

Clashes at dawn on May 14th 2022 in the Jamila Triangle in the Janzour area, reported to be in the vicinity of the West Tripoli Electricity Station were reported to have caused civilian casualties, but reports differ in the number. However, according to another local source, the Municipal Council of Janzour did not mention any

Summary

First published
May 15, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 5
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
1 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Neighbourhood/area
View Incident