Incident Code

LC013

Location

درنة‎: ميناء درنه, Derna Port, Darnah, Libya

Geolocation

32.7798944, 22.70505
Accuracy: Exact location (via Airwars)

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

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 cadet and unidentified Romanian seamen were killed when a rocket exploded on the deck of the ARAEVO, owned by Athens-based Aegean Shipping Management. Two Filipino nationals were also injured aboard the vessel, which was carrying 12,600 tones of crude oil when it was hit. Military officials allied with Libya’s internationally recognised government told Reuters the vessel had been warned not to enter the port and claimed it had been transporting Islamist militants to the city of Derna. But Libya’s National Oil Company said the tanker had only been delivering fuel and claimed that the relevant authorities had been informed of its arrival.

While most sources blamed the GNC for the attack, Erem News reported that the LNA was responsible for the raid, quoting their Major Mohammed Hijazi a number of our military officials directed our warnings, not to approach the ports of cities controlled by the Fajr of Libya and its loyalists, and that any piece of marine will become a legitimate target of the air force.

Key Information

Country
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–3

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention an airstrike targeting an oil tanker five kilometers off the coast of Derna’s port (درنة‎). After investigating visual material from sources, we narrowed this location down to 32.7798944, 22.70505.

Reports of the incident mention an airstrike targeting an oil tanker five kilometers off the coast of Derna’s port (درنة‎)

Imagery: Google Earth

Military Statements

Libyan National Army Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Libyan National Army position on incident
Not yet assessed
General National Congress (GNC) Assessment
Suspected belligerent
General National Congress (GNC)
General National Congress (GNC) position on incident
Not yet assessed