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

May 15, 2018

Incident Code

LC080

LOCATION

الكفرة, Kufra, Al Kufrah, Libya

Three Eritrean citizens were reportedly killed in an airstrike in Kufra city and eight more Eritrean asylum seekers wounded in an airstrike in Kufra city near Abdulmalik mountain close to the Egyptian border, according to Vincent Cochetel, Special Envoy of the UNHCR for the Central Mediterranean situation. Jamal Adel said on Twitter the strike was

Summary

First published
May 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
8
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
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Incident Code

LC079

LOCATION

سبها‎, Sabha, Libya

Three civilians were killed and at least 10 more wounded by shrapnel resulting from LNA fighting a Tebu militia in Sebha, according to local reports. Fezzan Libya, citing the Sebha Medical Centre, reported that 3 people were killed – including one child – and 12 were injured – including 3 children – as a result of

Summary

First published
March 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
10–12
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2018

Incident Code

LC078

LOCATION

الزنتان, Al Zintan, Darnah, Libya

Between three and five civilians were reportedly injured in what was described as indiscriminate LNA artillery shelling on the Al-Zintan neighbourhood in western Derna. @Abo_moslem4036 reported a “random bombardment” at the west of the entrance to the Darna al-Zintan neighbourhood, which injured three women, a child and a man. @deskdrnoe cited the LNA for bombing

Summary

First published
March 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3–5
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

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

LC077

LOCATION

سبها‎, Sabha, Libya

At least six civilians were killed in Sabha during fighting between rival armed groups, Reuters reported. Reuters reported that LNA and rival groups fought in the vicinity of Sabha, leading to the deaths of at least six civilians. 

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2018

Incident Code

LC076

LOCATION

South of Sirte, Surt, Libya

Two decomposed bodies were found in a vehicle, reportedly victims of an earlier airstrike. Qnat Aljamahiriya reported that two decomposed bodies were found by camel breeders. The bodies were in a four-wheel drive video, which had evidently been targeted in the “desert southwest of Sirte.” Based on the report, it appeared the men had died

Summary

First published
January 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2017

Incident Code

LQ064

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Sidi Kharibesh, Benghazi, Libya

Several sources reported airstrikes on Sidi Akhrebish by either LNA, Egypt or UAE. One source claims Egyptian F-16s or Rafales were involved. However, some local sources described what they said was “Indiscriminate shelling by heavy weapons on the area of Akhrebish this day by the LNA militia.” And Libya Today TV noted what it said

Summary

First published
December 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Egyptian Military, Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military
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

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

November 22, 2017

Incident Code

LQ061

LOCATION

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Butnan, Libya

Various sources reported Egyptian airstrikes destroying 10 vehicles allegedly loaded with ammunition and weapons at the Libyan side of the border. “‘The air force has dealt a new blow to smugglers and infiltrators across the border,’ preventing them from bringing weapons and ammunition into Egypt, army spokesman Tamer al-Refai said in a statement posted on

Summary

First published
November 22, 2017
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
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Incident Code

LQ060

LOCATION

ورشفانة, Wershafana, Al Jafarah, Libya

Facebook sources reported “indiscriminate” shelling of Wershefana, 45km from Tripoli, with a BM-21 Grad. According to one source, Amany El Weshahy, the attack displaced civilians from the area. However there were no reports at the time of civilian harm. The War is Boring blog also reported artillery shelling but with Chinese GP1 laser-guided ammunition which

Summary

First published
November 1, 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

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

LC075

LOCATION

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Kufrah, Libya

Two sources reported that the Egyptian Air Force destroyed six vehicles at the border with Egypt in the Kufra district. One of them claimed that it had loaded weapons and ammunition while another claimed it was a civilian car coming back from a fishing trip. Mansoura Today reported, for example, that “Yesterday, the air force

Summary

First published
October 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

LC074

LOCATION

الفتايح, Al Fatayeh, Darnah, Libya

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

Summary

First published
October 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerents
Egyptian Military, United Arab Emirates Military, Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

October 23, 2017

Incident Code

LQ059

LOCATION

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Butnan, Libya

Egyptian planes destroyed a convoy of eight cars before it crossed the border from Libya. Reportedly the cars were loaded with weapons and belonged to an unknown extremist militia. Al Hayat reported the following: “Army spokesman Colonel Tamer al-Rifai said that  Egyptian forces are conducting sweeps and raiding to the mountains and mountainous areas to

Summary

First published
October 23, 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
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Incident Code

LQ058

LOCATION

درنة‎, Derna, Darnah, Libya

A boat carrying ammunition was possibly among the targets hit by airstrikes in Derna, according to local reports. 24/24 reported strike targeting a convoy of militants in “the southern axis” of Derna city. Annona3 reported aircraft targeted “ammunition boats,” and suggested Egypt might have been responsible. Another report on Twitter, posted by TanasuhTV, said that

Summary

First published
October 1, 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
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Incident Code

LQ057

LOCATION

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Butnan, Libya

The Egyptian air force destroyed ten vehicles it said were attempting to enter the country from the border with Libya, and which were allegedly smuggling weapons. According to Arab Today, “The raid was carried out on Wednesday on the basis of information that “criminal elements were preparing to infiltrate” Egypt, said army spokesman Col. Tamer

Summary

First published
September 28, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Incident Code

LQ056

LOCATION

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Butnan, Libya

Egyptian warplanes targeted nine SUVs that were claimed to be carrying weapons and explosives at the Libyan border. On its own Facebook page, the Egyptian military noted that “Today 21 August 2017 … the Egyptian Air Force destroyed 9 cars with arms, ammunition and explosives on the western border with Libya.” There are no known

Summary

First published
August 21, 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
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2017

Incident Code

LQ055

LOCATION

درنة‎, port, Darnah, Libya

The LNA reportedly targeted a boat off the coast of Derna which it said was transporting fighters and weapons to the Shura Council. According to the faction, the boat “carried terrorists, ammunition and weapons to terrorist gangs in the city of Derna.” The fate of any civilian crew on board the vessel is presently unknown.

Summary

First published
August 8, 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

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

July 22, 2017

Incident Code

LQ053

LOCATION

درنة الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Darnah, Libya

Various local sources reported an LNA MiG-23 bombing various locations in Derna, including Hajaj, Al-Fatayih and the Hossein neighbourhood. Emhona 99’s Twitter feed carried pictures of what it said was a civilian farmhouse damaged in the strike. And Libya News noted: “News reports close to the Karama operation said the bombing targeted what it described

Summary

First published
July 22, 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

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

LQ052

LOCATION

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Butnan, Libya

Egyptian airstrikes targeted 15 vehicles reportedly loaded with weapons near the border with Libya as they attempted to enter Egypt. According to Egyptian military sources cited by Libya’s Channel, “Egyptian armed forces have carried out military operations during the twenty-four last hour, building intelligence information, according to the gathering of a number of criminal elements

Summary

First published
July 16, 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
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2017

Incident Code

LQ051

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Municipal hotel, Benghazi, Libya

Various sources reported 17 LNA airstrikes in central Benghazi near the municipal hotel.

Summary

First published
July 2, 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

July 1, 2017

Incident Code

LQ050

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

According to local sources, “intensive” air raids were launched on Sabri. 218 TV claimed they were conducted by LNA planes. Emhona said on Twitter they were conducted by Emirati or Egyptian warplanes. No civilians harm from the event is presently known.

Summary

First published
July 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Libyan National Army, Egyptian Military, United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2017

Incident Code

LQ049

LOCATION

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Butnan, Libya

According to Reuters and local sources, Egyptian airstrikes destroyed 12 vehicles allegedly carrying weapons and explosives near the border between Libya and Egypt. The sources were conflicted as to whether the incident took place inside Libya or Egypt, with most of them stating it was in Libya. However, Libya Herald noted the following: “The Egyptian

Summary

First published
June 27, 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
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 18, 2017

Incident Code

LQ048

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Sabri, Benghazi, Libya

Local sources reported almost 30 new air raids on Benghazi by LNA forces, mostly centred near the Sabri and fish market areas. There were no known public reports of civilian harm at the time.

Summary

First published
June 18, 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

June 17, 2017

Incident Code

LQ047

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

Two Facebook sources claimed that 13 “foreign airstrikes” had struck Benghazi, but seem to have copied one another on the information. There were no known public reports of civilian harm at the time.

Summary

First published
June 17, 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

June 4, 2017

Incident Code

LQ046

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Omar al-Mukhtar mausoleum, Benghazi, Libya

Local sources reported airstrikes in multiple areas of Benghazi – including Sabri, the fish market area at the tomb of Omar al-Mukhtar, the municipal hotel, the Republic Hospital and the Al-Nuran Hotel. According to a report in Akhbar Alaan, the LNA announced ten strikes on militants in the city. Other sources put the number of

Summary

First published
June 4, 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 belligerents
Libyan National Army, Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2017

Incident Code

LQ045

LOCATION

درنة‎, Derna, Darnah, Libya

According to local sources and the Egyptian government, Cairo carried out four ‘retaliatory’ air raids in Derna. Babak Taghvaee reported the Egyptian Air Force had targeted the “al Qaeda affiliated Shura Council” in Derna. The Egyptian Foreign Minister confirmed strikes, reporting it had targeted “terrorist organizations in Derna” – in response to the killing of

Summary

First published
May 26, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

LC073

LOCATION

فندق الواحات, Al Wahat Hotel, Al Jufrah, Libya

Local sources reported between four and 13 airstrikes on alleged Al Qaeda members in Hun. It remains unclear if civilians were among the dead.  Libya Observer wrote that fighters rescued civilians from the rubble of the collapsed Al-Wahat hotel. It reported that five people died but didn’t specify if those were civilians or combatants. Other

Summary

First published
May 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

May 21, 2017

Incident Code

LC072

LOCATION

الجفرة‎, Jufra, Al Jufrah, Libya

Several local sources reported LNA strikes near Jufra air base. One source mentioned two killed GNA fighters. Other sources claimed that 21 fighters belonging to a militia from Benghazi and the Chadian opposition got killed and 30 more got injured. Marwan Dirgash reported that the airstrike led to “many civilian casualties” but didn’t give an

Summary

First published
May 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

May 20, 2017

Incident Code

LC071

LOCATION

بين سوكنا وهون, Between Sokna and Hun, Al Jufrah, Libya

Various local sources reported that airstrikes hit numerous targets in the Jufra district, including a farm between Hun and Sokna, Jufra air base, the civil airport and Al-Bunyan al-Marsous headquarters. Some sources claimed the strikes were conducted by the UAE, while others said it was LNA. The number of strikes varies between ten and twelve.

Summary

First published
May 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident