Incident Code

Lib2011-025

Location

ميدان الشهداء, Martyrs' Square, Al Zawiyah, Libya

Geolocation

32.752250, 12.718912
Accuracy: Nearby landmark

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: LG001e)

On February 26th, 2011, 50 civilians were reported killed and another 50 wounded as a result of heavy artillery shelling on the city of al-Zawiya by Gaddafi forces. Thirty of the wounded were taken to another location, though no other information was provided about casualties.

Al-Jazeera was the only source to report on the strike, quoting a local resident as stating that “mercenaries loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi killed at least 50 civilians in heavy artillery shelling during violent clashes last night with opponents of the regime, while about 50 others were wounded and 30 people were taken to an unknown destination.”

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Artillery
Strike Status
Single source claim
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported killed
50
Civilians reported injured
50

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention Martyrs’ Square (ميدان الشهداء ) being struck in the city of Zawiya (الزاوية‎), for which the general coordinates are: 32.752250, 12.718912. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

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

Sources (1)