Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

LC177

Incident date

August 4–5, 2019

Location

القلعة, Al Qala, Murzuq, Libya

Geolocation

25.919023, 13.923895 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 42 civilians were reportedly killed in an LNA or Emirati airstrike on Murzuq in one of the biggest civilian harm events in Libya since 2011.

Al Jazeera said: “At least 42 people have been killed and dozens wounded in an air raid in southern Libya, an official said, as the United-Nations recognised government blamed forces loyal to renegade general Khalifa Haftar for the attack.”

It added, quoting the same official: “‘No armed or wanted people were among them … Haftar bombed unarmed civilians,’ he said, calling for humanitarian aid since the local hospital could not cope with the high number of casualties.”

Reuters reported: “‘The air strike resulted in 43 killed and 51 wounded. This is only an initial toll of casualties,’ Murzuq municipal council member Mohamed Omar told Reuters in a phone interview.

He said the done strike had targeted a town hall meeting where residents were holding discussions after days of clashes between rival tribesmen.”

The Guardian later said at least 45 people had been killed.

According to various outlets, pro-LNA sources said the strike had targeted Chadian opposition fighters.

While the majority of sources accused the LNA of conducting the strike, it does not itself operate drones. Emad Badi blamed the UAE for flying the drone.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Al Qala (القلعة) in the town of Murzuq (مرزق‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 25.915485, 13.910505. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 45
  • Civilians reported injured
    51–60
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected belligerents
    Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Video allegedly showing the aftermath and victims of the airstrike

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army 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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    42 – 45
  • Civilians reported injured
    51–60
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected belligerents
    Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military

Sources (19) [ collapse]