Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

LC040

Incident date

August 28, 2016

Location

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.026870, 20.021119 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to 21 civilians were reportedly killed in airstrikes on Benghazi. Three local families were reportedly killed as well as 11 Sudanese workers.

While the majority of sources named the LNA as the belligerent, Libya Mostakbal claimed that is was conducted by a ‘Predator’ drone which isn’t part of the LNA air force. However, UAE drones with a similar silhouette have supported LNA operations.

Libya Mostakbal reported that 11 foreign workers, mostly from Sudan, were killed. It was additionally reported that three Libyan families died. “The family members of the Abdali family, consisting of three children with their father and mother, were killed in full, along with the family of the Feturi, a husband and wife” reported Alnabaa.  Members of the Barassi family were reported missing, while Ajwa claimed a third family had died in the strike.

Several outlets cited the local Shura Council, which reported total of 18 strikes were reported on that day in Benghazi.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Alnabaa shows footage of the airstrike victims
  • More footage provided by Alnabaa
  • Very graphic: Tanasouh shows the airstrike victims

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the Ganfouda neighborhood (قنفودة), located within the city of Benghazi (بنغازي). After investigating visual material from sources, we narrowed this location down to a home located at: 32.026870, 20.021119.

  • Screenshot from a local news report showing house targeted by airstrike. Note tag "A" refers to the lane between the targeted home and the adjacent property.

    Imagery:
    Al-Tanasah Foundation

  • Satellite image showing home targeted by airstrike.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Satellite image showing location of home targeted by airstrike within Benghazi.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (8) [ collapse]