All Belligerents in Libya, 2011

Mourners in Majer, Libya in 2011 following a NATO airstrike which killed at least 34 civilians, according to multiple reports. Image courtesy of Sidney Kwiram/ Human Rights Watch

Belligerent
Country
Libya
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

October 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-208

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

Six civilians, including one child, were allegedly killed by a NATO airstrike on Sirte. Libya Now said: “Yesterday, Saturday, the revolutionaries found in the city of Sirte a cemetery containing the remains of 6 people from one family, including a child, who were killed by the bombing of the second area at dawn last Wednesday.”

Summary

First published
October 19, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(1 child)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-136

LOCATION

المليعب, Al Mleeb, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Between 28 and 49 people, including 28 men, were killed by Gaddafi forces in Al Mleeb in the vicinity of Al Qalaa village on August 5, 2011 according to various sources, including a video on ImazighenLibya’s YouTube and a post on Safit Al Somoud’s Facebook. A graphic video posted by ImazighenLibya shows rows of dead bodies, more

Summary

First published
August 5, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
30 – 49
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
28 named, 8 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 10, 2017

Incident Code

LQ063

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Municipal hotel, Benghazi, Libya

Civilian infrastructure in Benghazi was targeted by LNA strikes, according to local sources Libya Today TV reported that an LNA strike in central Benghazi – in the Akhribesh area – resulted in the destruction of “infrastructure and public and private property of citizens.” Ayon Benghazi reported strikes in the vicinity of a hotel, and several other

Summary

First published
December 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2016

Incident Code

LQ034a

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi: Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

A UAE reportedly targeted a residential area in Benghazi. Libya Alahrar TV reported: “Al-Saraya Media Center: a foreign aircraft without a pilot targeted a house inhabited by a family in Ganfouda in Benghazi.” Nosa posted on Twitter that “so far four air raids have been launched by the UAE UAV on Ganfouda and the Chinese

Summary

First published
September 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2016

Incident Code

LQ024

LOCATION

درنة‎, Derna, Darnah, Libya

A Libyan Air Force MIG-23 was shot down in the Sidi Khalid area, 35 km West of Derna, after conducting airstrikes in Derna according to various sources. Apparently, the plane had shelled the 400 neighbourhoods in retaliation for the killing of civilians on February 7th. The Libya Observer reported that the Derna Shura Council, which

Summary

First published
February 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

April 24, 2015

Incident Code

LQ007a

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

Dawa Alhaq reported a GNC/Libya Dawn airstrike in Sirte likely resulting in civilian harm: “A military aircraft belonging to the ‘Dawn of Libya’ militia, backed by Libya’s brothers who control Tripoli, launched air strikes on Thursday night on sites in the city of Sirte. ‘A Libyan warplane launched several air strikes on the sites of

Summary

First published
April 24, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
General National Congress (GNC)
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-176

LOCATION

مسكن مصطفى ناجي المرابط, Gidwar family residence, Surt, Libya

Three civilians were allegedly killed and up to four more injured by a NATO airstrike on the Ghardabiya area of Sirte. A Human Rights Watch investigation found: “On September 23, 2011, around 4 p.m., NATO struck a new house on a farm belonging to the Gidwar family in Gurdabiya, about 20 kilometers east of Sirte.

Summary

First published
September 23, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-033

LOCATION

زوراة, Zawara, Tarabulus, Libya

On March 14th 2011, Gaddafi forces reportedly bombed the city of Zuwara for several hours with airstrikes and artillery shelling. During the capture of the city, it was reported by a single source that one civilian was killed and seven wounded. Al Jazeera said: “Libyan sources had announced earlier, that one person was killed and

Summary

First published
March 14, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
7
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-065

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

At least five civilians were allegedly killed by Gaddafi forces shelling of Misurata. Al Jazeera said: “A spokesman for the Libyan revolutionaries in the western city of Misurata said that the Libyan Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s brigades continued to bombard the city they besieged on Monday, killing five people and wounding more than twenty others. Meanwhile,

Summary

First published
April 9, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
17
(12 children)
Civilians reported injured
21–22
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-011

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

On February 18th, 2011, between 20 and 37 protestors were shot dead and between 20 to 30 injured as a result of protests in Benghazi. DW news confirmed the injuries and wounded, alongside a UN report confirming more wounded. al-Arabiya reports “Urgent: The death toll from the confrontations in Libya has risen to 27, twenty

Summary

First published
February 18, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 37
Civilians reported injured
20–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-153

LOCATION

ابوكماش, Abu Kammash, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

At least one man was killed by Zowara rebels after he was apprehended on August 28, 2011 in Abu Kammash according to the UN Report Source Page 80. An unarmed man was apprehended from Riqdalin and was then forced to face a wall and was then shot.

Summary

First published
August 28, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2017

Incident Code

LQ054

LOCATION

درنة, Dhar al-Hamr, Darnah, Libya

Airstrikes hit residential homes in Derna, according to a local report. Libya 24 reported that the LNA bombed in the vicinity of Kasarah in Derna, striking houses belonging to the Burebihah family. The report did not mention whether civilians were inside at the time of the strike, or whether there were any casualties.

Summary

First published
August 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

January 11, 2017

Incident Code

LQ038

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Alnabaa TV reported that a foreign aircraft conducted airstrikes in Ganfouda. Its source in the Benghazi Shura Council didn’t confirm any casualties. According to Alnabaa, Ganfouda has also been hit by artillery shelling in the early morning hours and civilian infrastructure was heavily targeted in the strike. Alnabaa suspected civilians in the buildings but couldn’t confirm

Summary

First published
January 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

October 29, 2015

Incident Code

LQ016

LOCATION

الظهير, Al Dahir, Surt, Libya

Unidentified warplanes reportedly carried out multiple airstrikes in the east, south and west of Sirte at midnight, local media reported. According to Akhbar Alaan, “unidentified warplanes launched air strikes on the Libyan city of Sirte targeting areas occupied by an ISIS in the south and west of the city, eyewitnesses said.” There were no known

Summary

First published
October 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2014

Incident Code

LC009

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

A single source, Libya in Heart, reported that “nearly 20 people” died in alleged LNA airstrike in Sirte but did not specify if they were civilians. According to the source, Nearly 20 people were killed in the bombing of the Sirte air force in Libya. Eyewitnesses confirmed that ambulances were being heard heavily. After further

Summary

First published
December 20, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-040

LOCATION

الدولار, Dollar, Benghazi, Libya

Two civilians, one of them a child, were allegedly killed by Gaddafi forces artillery shelling on the Hay Dollar neighbourhood of Benghazi. An Amnesty International field investigation found: “The renewed attacks were even more vicious as the rockets used were packed with small metal balls intended to maximize injury and damage. Grad rockets packed with

Summary

First published
March 19, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-190

LOCATION

الحي رقم 3, Neighbourhood No. 3, Surt, Libya

A brother and a sister have allegedly been injured due to an attack by the NATO in neighbourhood number 3 in Sirte. NATO on that day reported hitting in the vicinity of Sirte: “1 command and control node, 1 infantry and anti-aircraft artillery staging area, 2 armed vehicles, 4 armoured infantry vehicles, 1 tank.” There

Summary

First published
October 1, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 25, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-077

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

On April 25th, 2011, Gaddafi forces shelled Misurata at dawn, firing over 40 rockets. Al Jazeera reported that 12 civilians were killed in the attack and a further 57 injured , according to a rebel spokesman. Airwars has to date been unable to identify additional sources in relation to this event.

Summary

First published
April 25, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
Civilians reported injured
57
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected targets
Libyan rebel forces, Other
View Incident

Incident date

September 16, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-166

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

Several civilians were allegedly killed by Rebel forces shelling on Sirte. A UN report stated: “Thuwar forces used Grad rockets, artillery shells and RPGs, as well as small and medium calibre weapons in their assault on Sirte. They launched barrages of Grad rockets hitting residential areas like Area 1, Hay al-Dollar, and Montaza. Residents told

Summary

First published
September 16, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan rebel forces
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-024

LOCATION

بين صبراتة وسرمان, Between Sabratha and Sarman, Al Zawiyah, Libya

On February 21st, 2011, between 12 and 24 civilians were reported injured by Gaddafi forces between Sarman and Sibrata. Al Jazeera reported Reuters quoting the Libyan newspaper Quirna. Al Jazeera reports “Reuters quoted a correspondent for the Libyan newspaper Qurina as saying that Gaddafi’s al-Khuwailidi al-Hamidi Brigade fired randomly in the area without specifying the

Summary

First published
February 26, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-213

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

One man died after being severely beaten while being held in custody by the Independence Brigade rebels in Tawrga’a on November 2, 2011 according to UN Report Source Page 82. A former Qadhafi soldier died on November 2, 2011 after being transferred to a hospital in Misrata. An initial autopsy report obtained by the victim’s

Summary

First published
November 2, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 29, 2016

Incident Code

LQ028

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

According to its Facebook page, an LNA MiG-21 and a MiG-23 targeted an alleged terrorist headquarters in Qawarsheh and completely destroyed it. The strikes took place at 12:10. At 15:58 the MiG-21 reportedly struck two vessels 150km west off the coast of Benghazi. At 22:45 the helicopter formation targeted two boats and at 03:25 and

Summary

First published
March 29, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2014

Incident Code

LC004

LOCATION

ميناء منطقة رأس الهلال, Ras al Helal Port, Benghazi, Libya

Local sources reported that the LNA targeted one or two boats off the coast of Ras al Helal. The boat was said to have been completely destroyed and five civilians injured. According to Libya News, five civilians were wounded, ranging from medium to light injuries, following an aerial bombardment of a marine boat in Ras

Summary

First published
June 21, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-154

LOCATION

بني وليد, Bani Walid, Misrata, Libya

Up to 19 civilians were allegedly killed by a NATO airstrike on Bani Walid. Riyad Jaber said: “The martyr Salah Saad Barnous was martyred on the 29th of Ramadan by the NATO bombing.” Mustafa Al Fitouri wrote in his book: “On the night of 29th-30th August Salah Sa’ed Barnous 23 years old, an university student

Summary

First published
August 29, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
19
(4 children12 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
19 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 18, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-169

LOCATION

الحي رقم 3, Neighbourhood No. 3, Surt, Libya

On September 18th, 2011, three children were reported to have died from NATO bombardment in the third residential area of Sirte. Nour al-Din Nasser al-Zanki reported the deaths of two children, while a Facebook page from a father reported the death of another child on the same day. NATO confirmed airstrikes on “1 Military Facility,

Summary

First published
September 18, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2–3 children)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-124

LOCATION

مستشفى الاطفال, Children's Hospital, Misrata, Libya

On July 9th, 2011, shelling from Gaddafi forces killed two civilians and injured 12 in Misurata, including killing one female infant in the Children’s Hospital. @Bozakook tweeted that “indiscriminate shelling hit 12 civilians in Misrata, and 2 were killed” (translated from Arabic), and was the only source reporting injuries and two civilian deaths. Voodito tweeted:

Summary

First published
July 9, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
12
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-210

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

According to a single source, 48 people were killed and 50 injured by an airstrike on Sirte. It is unclear who conducted the attack and if the victims were civilians. Magical_Libya tweeted: “Urgent Libya Al-Sumud A correspondent of Libya Al-Samoud said in Sirte that about 48 people were killed and 50 wounded in a missile

Summary

First published
October 30, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 48
Civilians reported injured
0–50
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Belligerents reported killed
0–48
Belligerents reported injured
0–50
View Incident

Incident date

August 9, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-138

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

At least 16 people, identified as Egyptian workers, were killed by Gaddafi forces on August 9, 2011 in Misrata according to Abdul Asallak’s post on YouTube and a tweet by @tounsiahourra. Multiple sources stated that those killed were Egyptian workers who worked in a warehouse in the Kararim area of Misrata. A video posted by Abdul

Summary

First published
August 9, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

December 3, 2017

Incident Code

LQ062

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Sidi Kharibesh, Benghazi, Libya

LNA MiGs reportedly conducted heavy airstrikes in Sidi Akhribesh and the Afet neighbourhood near the hotel, which were described by one source as “the last strongholds of the terrorists.” There were no public reports of civilian harm at the time.

Summary

First published
December 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2015

Incident Code

LQ007

LOCATION

الزنتان, Zintan, Airport, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

According to several local sources, GNC/Libya Dawn planes bombed Zintan airport as well as the nearby village of Rujban. Most sources reported material damage, though there was no mention of civilian harm. Zintan Airport spokesperson Omar Maatouk, speaking to Libya Herald, said that the front of the airport building was damaged by the seven shells

Summary

First published
April 1, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
General National Congress (GNC)
View Incident