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

August 5, 2019

Incident Code

LC178

LOCATION

اربع شوارع الحافلة المحروقة, Vicinity of the Burnt Bus Junction, Surt, Libya

Two civilians were allegedly killed in a Turkish airstrike near Sirte. Lana News wrote: “Two people were killed and a child was wounded by a Turkish warplane that supported the Al-Wifaq militia, which targeted a Sirte truck and another civilian vehicle near the city of Sirte. Medical sources at Ibn Sina hospital in Sirte said

Summary

First published
August 5, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
Turkish Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2019

Incident Code

LC157

LOCATION

الهضبة, Al Hadba, Tarabulus, Libya

Two civilians were reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike on the Al Hadba neighbourhood of Tripoli. February TV said: “Haftar planes targeted the homes of civilians in Al Hadba, which led to the death of a child and her father and injured two members of her family today in Tripoli.” Libya Alahrar TV claimed four

Summary

First published
July 1, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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

December 16, 2016

Incident Code

LC054

LOCATION

قنفودة, Benghazi, Libya

Up to two civilians died and as many as three more were wounded in an alleged UAE airstrike on a residential area in Ganfouda, Benghazi, local media reported. Alnabaa tweeted that “a source from Ganfouda said the two were killed in a foreign bombing of a family home in the area”. According to Emhona “a

Summary

First published
December 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2018

Incident Code

LC097

LOCATION

خلة الفرجان, Khallet Al Furjan, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was reported killed and another one was reported missing, probably due to indiscriminate artillery shelling in Tripoli. Alaraby wrote: “The clashes continued sporadically, southeast of the capital Tripoli, on Monday, amid the continued shelling on civilians, while the government of reconciliation is silent about the situation. The sounds of rockets and missiles, which

Summary

First published
September 23, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–21
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

April 14, 2019

Incident Code

LC114

LOCATION

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

A mother and her daughter were allegedly killed by a GNA airstrike on Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel. Libya TV showed footage of destroyed houses and said that Nadia and her daughter Samia were killed by bombing. Mohamed Baaio also reported that Nadia and her daughter were killed. News Central and Eastern Region added that various members

Summary

First published
April 14, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

LC044

LOCATION

Vicinity of Water Tower, Surt, Libya

According to several sources on Twitter, at least two civilians died in a US airstrike in the morning in Sirte, one of them a child. The sources did not give clear estimates on casualties, though the pictures show two people most likely dead. Two more injured children can be spotted in the images. One source

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 5, 2015

Incident Code

LC013

LOCATION

درنة‎: ميناء درنه, Derna Port, Darnah, Libya

GNC planes allegedly bombed a Greek oil tanker killing a Greek engine cadet and a Romanian seaman on board, according to local media. Two Filipinos aboard were injured according to The Telegraph. Shorouk News reported a third person had been wounded. The Telegraph provided significant details on the event, reporting that a 29-year old Greek engine

Summary

First published
January 5, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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, General National Congress (GNC)
View Incident

Incident date

July 3, 2019

Incident Code

LC159

LOCATION

سيدي السايح, Sidi as Sa'is, Tarabulus, Libya

Between two and five civilians were allegedly killed by a GNA airstrike on Sidi as Sa’is near Tripoli. Almarsad reported: “A doctor at the hospital of Tarhuna confirmed the death of two young men and the injury of two others and a family consisting of 4 children and their father seriously injured by the bombing

Summary

First published
July 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(0–1 children0–1 women2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–6
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.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 30, 2018

Incident Code

LC085

LOCATION

طريق المشتل, Arboretum Way, Tarabulus, Libya

Two children were reported killed by local sources as a result of indiscriminate artillery shelling in Tripoli. Our Libya Choice posted on Twitter that “two children were killed after a shell landed on the house of the ben Ashour family near of the Arboretum triangle in the area of Ain Zara in the vicinity of

Summary

First published
August 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2017

Incident Code

LC060

LOCATION

قاعدة الجفرة الجوية, Jufra air base, Al Jufrah, Libya

The Libya Observer reported that LNA warplanes bombed the Al-Jufra airbase, “killing two and wounding 12.” It was not clear from the report if the victims were civilians or combatants.   EAN Libya reported that six people were killed and wounded, but again did not provide a breakdown. Libya News reported that two members of the

Summary

First published
February 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
6–14
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

January 3, 2015

Incident Code

LC012

LOCATION

ميناء السدرة, Port Sidra, Surt, Libya

Alwasat reported armed clashes around the port of Sidra between fighters guarding the oil ports and the LNA which were accompanied by three LNA airstrikes. Alfakhiri claimed on Twitter that two children were killed in the attack but didn’t add further details.

Summary

First published
January 3, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

July 7, 2019

Incident Code

LC160

LOCATION

خلة الفرجان, Khallet Al Furjan, Tarabulus, Libya

Two civilians were reportedly killed by LNA artillery shelling on the Khallet Al Furjan neighbourhood of Tripoli. February TV reported: “Bombardment of Haftar militia with Grad rockets on the area of Khallet Al Furjan kills a mother and her two-year-old daughter.” Ahmed Othman and other sources said the two victims belonged to the Al Burki

Summary

First published
July 7, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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

January 7, 2018

Incident Code

LC076

LOCATION

South of Sirte, Surt, Libya

Two decomposed bodies were found in a vehicle, reportedly victims of an earlier airstrike. Qnat Aljamahiriya reported that two decomposed bodies were found by camel breeders. The bodies were in a four-wheel drive video, which had evidently been targeted in the “desert southwest of Sirte.” Based on the report, it appeared the men had died

Summary

First published
January 7, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-126

LOCATION

غريان, Gheryan, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Two civilians were killed in a NATO airstrike on Gheryan, accoring to NPR. The outlet wrote: “About a block away from the gunfire at the demonstration, it was possible to talk with a shopkeeper without having a government minder present. He gave his name as Ismael and said he and his family have heard bombing

Summary

First published
July 12, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2019

Incident Code

LC134

LOCATION

سيدي السايح, Sidi as Sa'is, Tarabulus, Libya

Between one and two children were allegedly killed in a GNA airstrike on Sidi as Sa’is. Tripoli el Ezz reported “the death of a child from the Ashour family as a result of the bombing of a plane from Misurata.” Arseefa said: “The children Mutasim Ashour Ali Sayeh, 6 years old, and Ali Ashour Ali

Summary

First published
May 5, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
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
Government of National Accord
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2014

Incident Code

LC010

LOCATION

بن جواد, Bin Jawad, Surt, Libya

Two physicians were killed and seven more people were reported wounded in an alleged GNC/Libya Dawn airstrike at a field hospital in Bin Jawad, according to local sources. James Wheeler tweeted: Two physicians were reported killed and 7 other people injured by an airstrike near a field hospital at Bin Jawad. Multiple sources have identified

Summary

First published
December 28, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
7
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2019

Incident Code

LC144

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli: Airport road, Tarabulus, Libya

Between one and wwo health workers were killed in an LNA airstrike on Tripoli. The FMSC said: “The Field Medicine and Support Center is deeply saddened by the death of our colleague Dr. Rami Abdulrazzaq Shawia of the field hospital, Zahra, after being hit by a guided missile in the ambulance.” Other sources also reported

Summary

First published
May 23, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 men)
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

August 8, 2019

Incident Code

LC178a

LOCATION

بندلوة, مرزق, Bendalwah, Murzuq, Murzuq, Libya

Two civilians were allegedly killed and four children injured by a mortar shell in Murzuq. OCHA reported: “On 8 August, a mortar landed on a house hosting IDPs in the Bendalwah neighborhood resulting in injuries among four children between 2 and 7 years-old and the death of two siblings.” Other sources picked up on the

Summary

First published
August 8, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2015

Incident Code

LC019

LOCATION

بنغازي‎: مستشفى الجمهورية, Republic Hospital, Benghazi, Libya

According to Russia Today, “medical sources in the city of Benghazi said that two people died and ten were wounded on Thursday (July 23rd) in clashes in the city centre between army forces and Islamist militants.” Ewan Libya reported that one civilian was killed after a shell fell on the Ben Younis area. Local sources

Summary

First published
July 23, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
10
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

June 2, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-102

LOCATION

العزيزية‎ , Aziziya, Al Jafarah, Libya

Two police officers were reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Aziziya. Nima Elbagir said on Twitter: “Libya gov tell CNN latest Nato strike hit police station in Aziziya – west of Tripoli – killing 2 police officers. No comment yet from Nato” Free Libya Page only reported airstrikes around Tripoli but no civilian harm.

Summary

First published
June 2, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected target
Other
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2016

Incident Code

LC028

LOCATION

شواطئ بنغازي, Benghazi Shoreline, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA targeted a marine trailer reportedly carrying 10 tanks, 3 containers of ammunition and a number of vehicles off the shores of Benghazi at around 03:00 according to its Facebook page. In an apparent maritime version of a double tap strike, the LNA further reported that other boats then tried to save the people

Summary

First published
March 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2017

Incident Code

LC064

LOCATION

راس لانوف, Ras Lanuf: Oil Port, Surt, Libya

An LNA airstrike allegedly killed two security guards at the oil port near Ras Lanuf. The airstrike was reportedly conducted in the evening. Libya Alkhabar reported: “Commander of the Petroleum Facilities Guard, Brigadier General Idris Bukhmadah, said in a statement from the city of Ras Lanuf that the Guard of Petroleum Facilities follows the National

Summary

First published
March 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
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

June 20, 2015

Incident Code

LC018b

LOCATION

النوفلية, Nofaliya, Sirte, Libya

On Saturday, June 20, 2015, one civilian was reportedly killed in an alleged General National Congress/Libya Dawn airstrike on a power station in Nofaliya, in the Sirte district of Libya. Russeifa News reported in a post on Facebook that Libya Dawn military aircraft strikes the electricity building in the Nofaliya area, resulting the death of

Summary

First published
June 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(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 belligerent
General National Congress (GNC)
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

LC075

LOCATION

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Kufrah, Libya

Two sources reported that the Egyptian Air Force destroyed six vehicles at the border with Egypt in the Kufra district. One of them claimed that it had loaded weapons and ammunition while another claimed it was a civilian car coming back from a fishing trip. Mansoura Today reported, for example, that “Yesterday, the air force

Summary

First published
October 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2015

Incident Code

LC014a

LOCATION

العسة, Al Assah, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

On Saturday, March 14, 2015, one man named Alaa Belkhair was reported killed and six people were injured in an alleged Libyan National Army airstrike on Al Assah near Zuwara, northwestern Libya. Zuwara News wrote on Facebook that “an aeroplane just hit the Al-Assah area and resulted in the death of one man from Misurata

Summary

First published
March 14, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
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.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 12, 2019

Incident Code

LC112

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

Othman Mesbah Akak was reportedly killed by indiscriminate artillery shelling on Qasr Bin Gashir. Riyadh Burshan said that the died from a shell falling on his house. Local reporting points at the GNA or the LNA as the perpetrator of the shelling.

Summary

First published
April 12, 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

August 27, 2019

Incident Code

LC187

LOCATION

العزيزية‎, Aziziya, Al Jafarah, Libya

One civilian was reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike on Aziziya. Libya Alahrar TV wrote that one person was injured in the attack. The Libya Observer said: “Breaking News: A drone belonging to warlord Khalifa Haftar destroys an ambulance for the field hospital in Aziziya region, south Tripoli, killing its driver.” Hona Souq Al-Khmies reported

Summary

First published
August 27, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-055

LOCATION

خوروم, Khorum, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

A toddler, the 18-months old Sirajuddin al-Sweisi, was reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Brega. The Boston News wrote: “Nizha Abdel-Salam and her family say her 18-month old son Sirajuddin al-Sweisi was killed when debris pierced the wall of their home as NATO airstrikes hit an ammunition [dump] near their village of Khorum early

Summary

First published
March 30, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
NATO forces
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 3, 2017

Incident Code

LC062

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi: Ganfouda 12 building complex, Benghazi, Libya

A woman reportedly died on March 5th after she sustained severe injuries from shrapnel after an airstrike on March 3rd from what was described as a foreign aircraft. The aircraft hit the 12 Buildings in Ganfouda approximately on March 3rd in support of the LNA campaign. Alnabaa reported: “On Sunday, one of the women trapped

Summary

First published
March 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident