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

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

July 30, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-131

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli, Tarabulus, Libya

Three journalists were reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Tripoli. SBS News tweeted: “Three journalists have reportedly been killed in a NATO air strike while on state television in Libya.” Uruknet wrote: “Libya says three journalists have been killed in a NATO air strike on state television, and that the murder of the rebels’

Summary

First published
July 30, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared 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
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 26, 2015

Incident Code

LC022

LOCATION

اجدابيا, Ajdabiya, Al Wahat, Libya

LNA strikes reportedly targeted alleged terrorists in the industrial area of Ajdabiya. Sources reported that a Sudanese cafe and/or car repair shop was struck during the raids – along with a policeman travelling nearby in his car. Up to three civilians reportedly died with as many as 19 more wounded. According to Libya 24, “military

Summary

First published
December 26, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
17–19
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-030

LOCATION

راس لانوف‎ , Ras Lanuf, Surt, Libya

Three people were reported dead in a Gaddafi regime airstrike on Ras Lanuf. The source was not clear on whether they were civilians or combatants. Al Jazeera posted on Twitter: “Three dead in an air strike on Ras Lanuf” The Hundi, however, reported no casualties from the strike: “Forces loyal to Muammar Qadhafi have launched

Summary

First published
March 6, 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.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

June 22, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-116

LOCATION

الدفنية, Dafiniyah, Misrata, Libya

Up to four civilians were reported killed by Gaddafi regime forces artillery shelling on Misurata. Al Jazeera reported: “On the Misurata front, Reuters reported that three people were killed and 12 wounded in an artillery bombardment by Gaddafi forces on the Dafiniyah area. More rockets fell on Wednesday in a suburb close to the port,

Summary

First published
June 22, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
Civilians reported injured
4–12
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
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Incident Code

LC079

LOCATION

سبها‎, Sabha, Libya

Three civilians were killed and at least 10 more wounded by shrapnel resulting from LNA fighting a Tebu militia in Sebha, according to local reports. Fezzan Libya, citing the Sebha Medical Centre, reported that 3 people were killed – including one child – and 12 were injured – including 3 children – as a result of

Summary

First published
March 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
10–12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2019

Incident Code

LC147

LOCATION

غريان, Gheryan, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Civilians were reportedly killed in Gheryan by a GNA airstrike, according to a single source. Al Ain News tweeted: “The Libyan Army: Civilian casualties in the bombing of the militias of Misurata on Gharyan and Harouna.” Other sources only reported GNA airstrikes but no civilian harm.

Summary

First published
May 29, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2015

Incident Code

LC017b

LOCATION

زعفران, Zaafran, Surt, Libya

A father and one or two of his daughters were reported killed as a result of an alleged GNC/Libya Dawn airstrike on Sirte. Most sources claim that a father with his two daughters were killed in an airstrike on their family home. However, some sources reported that only one of his daughters died and they were in

Summary

First published
May 23, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
General National Congress (GNC)
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
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

July 22, 2019

Incident Code

LC170

LOCATION

سوق الجمعة , Souq Al Jumaa, Tarabulus, Libya

Up to three children were allegedly killed because of indiscriminate shelling on the Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood of Tripoli. The Libya Observer initially reported no civilian harm: “At least three mortar shells landed on civilian houses near the international airport of Tripoli, without reports of human casualties so far.” Hona Souq Al-Khmies Emsihel said three

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
3
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
5 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2018

Incident Code

LC084a

LOCATION

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tarabulus, Libya

Three civilians, a woman and her two sons, were killed as the result of artillery shelling on Wadi al Rabie in Tajoura, according to Human Rights Watch. The NGO reported: “On August 28, a mortar shell landed on a house in Wadi Al-Rabie, killing a woman and her two sons, aged 6 and 10, according

Summary

First published
August 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 13, 2019

Incident Code

LC139

LOCATION

الزاوية‎, Zawiya, Al Zawiyah, Libya

Civilians were reported killed and injured in an LNA airstrike on Zawiya. Riyadh Burshan said that there were “reports of civilian casualties and injuries” because of “Aerial bombardment of the town of Zawiya” but did not specify how many. Other sources only reported LNA bombarment and showed pictures of damaged buildings and cars. Most of

Summary

First published
May 13, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2016

Incident Code

LC029

LOCATION

القصارات, Al Kassarat, Darnah, Libya

Three civilians including one woman died and up to seven more people were wounded in strikes on Derna, according to local media. The source Alnabaa reported “12 raids”, while some other sources reported that barrel bombs were dropped. LNA posted a video of its forces dropping a bomb on a ‘terrorist ammunition store’ in the sports

Summary

First published
April 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2–7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2019

Incident Code

LC162

LOCATION

وادي تغسات, Wadi Tgessat, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Five civilians were reportedly injured because of LNA bombing in Gheryan. Almanara and February TV both reported: “Five civilians lightly injured in the bombing of Haftar militia planes on the Police institute.” Hona Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel only reported LNA bombing but did not mention civilian harm. Tarhuna 24 said there were a “number of dead”

Summary

First published
July 9, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Belligerents reported killed
0–3
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2019

Incident Code

LC189a

LOCATION

سوق الخميس امسيحل, Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel, Tarabulus, Libya

Three civilians were allegedly killed in a GNA or Turkish airstrike on Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel. Libya’s Channel reported: “Al-Karama [LNA] Media Center said that a Turkish drone, led by Turks, bombed an ambulance at 3:00 am, which led to the death of medic Hatem Al-Mezdawi and other paramedics.” In Udtun Udna and Address Libya published

Summary

First published
September 6, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 man)
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 belligerents
Government of National Accord, Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 2018

Incident Code

LC083

LOCATION

عيادة رأس لانوف, Ras Lanuf: Clinic, Surt, Libya

Several civilians were reported dead and injured as a result of an LNA airstrike on the residential house of the Kalki family in Ras Lanuf. According to Alnabaa, two children were killed and their mother, father and brother injured. Kaiser Megrahi reported two women dead and posted images of the airstrike. Libya Observer reported three

Summary

First published
June 16, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

April 12, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-068

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

Three civilians were reported killed and one injured as a result of Gaddafi forces shelling on Misurata. An ITN report showed people mourning the loss of “two brothers” due to indiscriminate shelling. Later, two injured children are shown in the film, of which one was said to have died at the hospital. There are currently

Summary

First published
April 12, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected targets
Libyan rebel forces, Other
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2019

Incident Code

LC173

LOCATION

الهضبة البدري, Al Hadaba Al Badri, Tarabulus, Libya

Between two and three civilians were reported killed resulting from indiscriminate artillery shelling on the Al Hadba Al Badri neighbourhood of Tripoli. The Libya Observer reported: “The National Safety Authority says two people died as a result of a shell falling on their home in Al Hadaba Al Badri area south of Tripoli.” Libya Al

Summary

First published
July 27, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children1 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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2018

Incident Code

LC092

LOCATION

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tarabulus, Libya

Three civilians were reported killed in Tajoura because of indiscriminate artillery shelling. Wagak Original said on Twitter that three initially unidentified bodies were found in the Al Khala area and sent to the Tripoli Medical Hospital. They were then “identified as Khairi Bizik and his brother Karim Bizik and Hamza Goma.” The source added that

Summary

First published
September 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
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
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 6, 2018

Incident Code

LC082

LOCATION

شميخ, Shumaykh, Misrata, Libya

AFRICOM reported that it conducted a precision strike on ISIS near Bani Walid. While the US itself said that 4 members of the organisation were killed in the attack, including senior member Abdul-Ati Eshtewi, on a vehicle, local sources reported that three of the people in the car were actually civilians. Alrseefa reported: “Reconciliation in Tripoli

Summary

First published
June 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

LC066

LOCATION

درنة الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Darnah, Libya

An LNA airplane conducted strikes in Al-Fatayih, according to various sources. Libya Al Mostakbal reported there were no human casualties but a herd of sheep got hit and some of the animals were killed. Several sources claimed that the plane later crashed over Tobruk into the Tersha neighbourhood, which led to the death of the

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

September 16, 2016

Incident Code

LC041

LOCATION

الجغبوب, Jaghbub, Al Butnan, Libya

In an incident dated no later than September 16th, Alwasat reported that three young men from Al-Bayda were killed in an Egyptian airstrike after crossing the border coming from a fishing trip near Jaghbub. The journal named the victims as Mu’taz Salem Ali Bhohelasiya, 19 years old, Hussam al-Gilani, 27 years old, and Salem Hussein

Summary

First published
September 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Egyptian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC100b

LOCATION

راس يوسف, Ras Yusuf, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

Two women and an elderly man were reportedly killed by indiscriminate artillery shelling in Tripoli. UNSMIL wrote in its civilian casualty report that “two women and an elderly man were killed in Ras Yusuf district while attempting to escape the shelling.” Local reports point at GNA-affiliated militias or the 7th Brigade as the perpetrator behind

Summary

First published
January 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2019

Incident Code

LC141

LOCATION

القواسم, Qawasim, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Civilians were reported killed by a GNA airstrike in Qawasim. Ghada Elmehdwi reported: “Misrata targets civilians in Gheryan – Qawasim and victims occurred.” Other sources did not mention civilian harm but the targeting of civilian homes. Wadi Dinar News Agency said that the houses of Sami and Ramzi Al Muntaser were damaged and posted pictures

Summary

First published
May 15, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC165

LOCATION

السواني, Al-Swani, Tarabulus, Libya

Up to three medics were reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike on a field hospital in Al-Swani. Burkanly only said the hospital had been targeted without mentioning civilian harm. OCHA Libya said three medical staff had been injured and equipment damaged. Hona Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel reported that three combatants had been killed while several doctors

Summary

First published
July 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
Civilians reported injured
3–4
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
Libyan National Army
Suspected target
GNA
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2015

Incident Code

LC018c

LOCATION

النوفلية, Nofaliya, Surt, Libya

Three civilians from one family were reported killed in Nofaliya, Sirte in an LNA or NATO nation airstrike. Jalferjani posted on Twitter that “The Al Diab family house was shelled by a NATO aircraft and two children and their parent were killed in the city of Sirte.” Presslibya said that the LNA had bombed in

Summary

First published
July 2, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Libyan National Army
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2018

Incident Code

LC089

LOCATION

كورى بوقودى, Kouri Bougoudi, Murzuq, Libya

Two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Chadian helicopter strike on an illegal gold mine in Kouri Bougoudi at the Libyan-Chadian border. Reuters wrote: “Chadian army helicopters killed two civilians in bombing runs over a gold mining town along the Libyan border, where government forces have clashed with a fledgeling rebel movement, a family

Summary

First published
September 14, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Chadian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2016

Incident Code

LC027

LOCATION

الهواري, Al-Hawary, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA posted a video of a helicopter squadron targeting alleged terrorists. The video depicts people caught in explosions, and vehicles and buildings suffering damage. However the combatant status of those hit is unclear.

Summary

First published
March 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

January 19, 2014

Incident Code

LC002

LOCATION

قويرة المال, Qweira al Mal, Sabha, Libya

Two children were reportedly killed in an air or artillery strike in Sabha in the south of Libya. A pro-Gaddafi page on Facebook identified the victims as the 14-year-old and a 17-years-old, and another victim at 14 years old, who lost his leg. It added that they were killed in the Hey al Hijara neighbourhood.

Summary

First published
January 19, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
General National Congress (GNC)
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 13, 2016

Incident Code

LC033

LOCATION

درنة‎, Derna, Darnah, Libya

According to local media reports, a father and his son were killed in an LNA airstrike south of Derna while driving in their car to go to the bank. Alwasat reported: “A medical source in the city of Derna confirmed that a man and his son were killed by Libyan air force shelling of a

Summary

First published
June 13, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident