Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

Lib2011-048

Incident date

March 23, 2011

Location

الزنتان, Zintan, Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Geolocation

31.930396, 12.250838 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between six and ten civilians were killed and 26 more injured in air and artillery shelling by Gaddafi forces on Zintan, according to Al Jazeera.

The news outlet reported: “Six civilians were killed in a bombardment carried out today by the Gaddafi Brigades on the city of Zintan, and the bombing cut off electricity and communications completely from the city, while a British military commander announced the destruction of the Libyan air force.

The spokesman of the National Transitional Council in Libya, Abdel-Hafiz Ghouta, told a news conference in Benghazi that Gaddafi’s battalions continued to bombard the city of Zintan, which was controlled by the rebels and 90 kilometers southwest of the capital Tripoli, pointing out that the indiscriminate shelling of the city yesterday killed 10 people and wounded 26 others.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    26
  • 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 attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Zintan (الزنتان), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.930396, 12.250838. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Gaddafi Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Gaddafi Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    26
  • 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 attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-046

Incident date

March 22, 2011

Location

مصراتة, Misurata, Libya

Geolocation

32.374457, 15.087794 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least four children were reported killed in a possible attack on Misurata by Gaddafi regime forces.

RTE wrote that “Forces loyal to Gaddafi are shelling the rebel-held western city of Misrata and casualties include four children killed when the car they were in was hit, Reuters is reporting.”

And the BBC noted: “AFP reported that sniper fire and bombing operations killed 17 people, including 5 children, in Misrata on Tuesday during attempts by pro-Gaddafi forces to regain control of the city.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 17
  • (4–5 children)
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Misrata (مصراتة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.374457, 15.087794. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Gaddafi Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Gaddafi Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 17
  • (4–5 children)
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-042

Incident date

March 20, 2011

Location

البوابة الرشقية ألجدابيا, Ajdabiya’s eastern gate, Al Wahat, Libya

Geolocation

30.769320, 20.261783 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were killed by Gaddafi forces artillery shelling in Ajdabiya, according to an Amnesty International report.

The investigation noted: “Among [those killed] were 67-year old Miftah al-Tarhouni, and his 36-year-old son Mohammad, who were killed on 20 March near Ajdabiya’s eastern gate when their car was hit by a projectile – seemingly a rocket or an artillery shell. His son Adam told Amnesty International: ‘They were blown to pieces. We did not find their bodies, only shreds of flesh. They had set out to look for me in Zwaytinah, where I work. I got stuck there after al-Gaddafi’s forces invaded the area the week before.

‘In the meantime my family had fled Ajdabiya on 18 March, after the town was shelled the previous day. They went to take shelter in the desert to the south of the city, with many other families. The telephone network in the area had been cut off and we could not call each other. My father was worried about me and on Sunday [20 March] he decided to go to Zwaytinah to see me. As they passed near Ajdabiya’s east gate they were killed by a missile.'”

The investigation concluded: “In the cases mentioned above, and many others, the testimonies of survivors and witnesses and the details they and others provided concerning the positions of the two sides, al-Gaddafi forces and opposition fighters, at the time of the attacks strongly indicate that the projectiles were fired by al-Gaddafi forces.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Miftah al-Tarhouni
67 years old male killed
Mohammed al-Tarhouni
36 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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 target
    Other

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Image of Miftah and Mohammed Al-Tarhouni, allegedly killed by Gaddafi forces artillery shelling on Ajdabiya on March 20th, 2011 (via Amnesty International)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Ajdabiya’s eastern gate (البوابة الرشقية ألجدابيا), for which the generic coordinates are: 30.769320, 20.261783. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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 target
    Other

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-043

Incident date

March 20, 2011

Location

البوابة الرشقية ألجدابيا, Petrol station in the vicinity Eastern gate of Ajdabiya, Al Wahat, Libya

Geolocation

30.769320, 20.261783 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On February 22nd, 2011, unknown actors killed one civilian and injured another near Ajdabiya, both of the al-Sheikhi family. Ruqaya ‘Abdelghani al-Sheikhi, a 34 year old teacher, was shot and died after being taken to the hospital.

Amnesty states “it has not always been possible to establish whether the people killed or injured were deliberately targeted, or were the victims of indiscriminate or reckless fire, or were caught in the crossfire. In some cases, it has not even been possible to establish whether the shots were fired by al-Gaddafi forces or opposition fighters.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ruqaya ‘Abdelghani al-Sheikhi
34 years old female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a petrol station in the vicinity of Ajdabiya’s eastern gate (البوابة الرشقية ألجدابيا) Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Ajdabiya’s eastern gate are: 30.769320, 20.261783.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-039

Incident date

March 19, 2011

Location

الزاوية‎, Zawiya, Libya

Geolocation

32.759709, 12.732495 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An elderly Palestinian woman was allegedly killed by Gaddafi forces shelling on Zawiya.

According to Palestine Book : “The martyrdom of the elderly Palestinian Alamiya Al-Kamoudi, 71 years old, and the wounding of her brother and his wife (residing in Libya), from Al-Bureij camp in the Gaza Strip, as a result of indiscriminate bombing by Gaddafi forces of citizens’ homes in Al-Zawiya city in Libya.”

Alaa Zaghir and Gaza Youth also reported her death but did not mention additional injuries.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Alamiya Al-Kamoudi
71 years old female killed
Brother of Alamiya Al-Kamoudi
Adult male injured
Sister in law of Alamiya Al-Kamoudi
Adult female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • 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 target
    Other

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Zawiya (الزاوية‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.759709, 12.732495. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • 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 target
    Other

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-041

Incident date

March 19, 2011

Location

مصراتة‎, Misrata, Libya

Airwars assessment

On March March 19th 2011, forces loyal to Gaddafi bombed the town of Misurata with either airstrikes or artillery shelling, which resulted to up to 50 civilians killed and 84 wounded.

Al Bayan reported that 25 people were killed and 70 wounded during the bombing by the Libyan leader’s forces in the city of Misurata, which at that time was controlled by the armed opposition. Protesters and residents in the town of Misrata said forces loyal to Gaddafi bombed the town with heavy weapons. Tariq, a doctor from Misrata who lives in Britain, said. “There is heavy bombing in the town. They cannot send any ambulances. They [locals] believe it is artillery and tank shelling, not airstrikes. It is very worrying.”

The attack began hours after the UN Security Council decided to impose a no-fly zone over Libya and launch military attacks on Gaddafi forces to protect civilians, and before Tripoli announced any cessation of military operations.

According to @abanidrees, “The death toll from Misurata was more than 50 martyrs and 84 wounded as a result of the violent bombardment by the Gaddafi forces, quoting an eyewitness to Al-Jazeera English”

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25 – 50
  • Civilians reported injured
    70–84
  • 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 attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Gaddafi Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Gaddafi Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25 – 50
  • Civilians reported injured
    70–84
  • 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 attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-036

Incident date

March 18, 2011

Location

مصراتة, Misurata, Libya

Geolocation

32.374457, 15.087794 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On March 18th, 2011, up to 25 civilians were killed and up to 70 more wounded in shelling in Misurata from Gaddafi forces according to multiple sources.

Al-Jazeera reported that shelling from Gaddafi tanks and artillery, combined with Gaddafi snipers, had killed 25 and possibly more, according to a spokesman from the February 17 Youth.

Another source, Al Arabiya, reported 70 wounded in the bombing. However, this count was not verified by other known sources.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25
  • Civilians reported injured
    70
  • 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 attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–25
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–70

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The video shows shellings occurring in Misurata. No targets were identified.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Misurata (مصراتة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.374457, 15.087794. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Gaddafi Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Gaddafi Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25
  • Civilians reported injured
    70
  • 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 attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–25
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–70

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-037

Incident date

March 18, 2011

Location

أولاد أبوالهول, Awlad Abu Al Houl , Jabal Al Gharbi, Libya

Geolocation

31.930396, 12.250838 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On March 18th, 2011, it was reported by a single source that pro-Gaddafi forces had bombed a residential area in Awlad Abu Al Houl, wounding at least six people.

This claim was only reported by al Jazeera, and was unable to be confirmed from any currently available sources.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Awlad Abu Al Houl (أولاد أبوالهول) area, allegedly located within the vicinity of Zintan (الزنتان) city. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Zintan are: 31.930396, 12.250838.

Gaddafi Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Gaddafi Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]