Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

LC074

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Location

الفتايح, Al Fatayeh, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

32.733611, 22.645278 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the first significant civilian casualty report in several months, various sources said that between 12 and 18 civilians were killed in an airstrike in Al-Fatayih – among them up to eight children and five women. In addition, 25 to 30 people were reported injured in the strike. Most sources claim Egypt was responsible for the attack, while a few also blamed the LNA.

Al Jazeera reported that thousands of residents of Derna paid their respects to the victims of airstrikes that it said were carried out by Egypt – killing 14 and injuring at least 25 more. Photographs showed the gathering and bodies wrapped in coffins. Libya Observer reported the same death and injury totals. The outlet reported that the local Shura Council blamed Egypt, which was backing the LNA as it besieged Derna. The Observer published extremely graphic photographs showing dead children, their bodies split open and covered in dust.

Other reports put the death toll lower. @Libyen_Insider reported that at least 12 were killed, including 5 women and 7 children.
@RassdNewsR reported a total of 17 were killed – mostly women and children – and cited reports blaming the LNA and Egypt. Libya 24 put the death toll at 18, including 8 women.

The UN mission in the country meanwhile reported that at least 12 children and women were killed, along with three male adults. The mission said that four children remained injured.

According to Hathalyoum, the Egyptian Foreign Minister later condemned the bombings and ordered an investigation into the incident.

In November, Alnabaa TV claimed that the UAE was responsible for the attack citing The New Arab. However, the original source can no longer be found.

News English reported 15 people were injured in the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 18
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Egyptian Military, United Arab Emirates Military, Libyan National Army

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • News English shows the aftermath of the airstrike
  • CGTN interviews various officials on the airstrike
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Fatayeh (الفتايح), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.733611, 22.645278. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Fatayah (درنة الفتايح).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Egyptian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Egyptian Military
  • Egyptian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

United Arab Emirates Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    United Arab Emirates Military
  • United Arab Emirates Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

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
    12 – 18
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Egyptian Military, United Arab Emirates Military, Libyan National Army

Sources (30) [ collapse]