Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
Libya
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Incident Code

LC092

Incident date

September 20, 2018

Location

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.743819, 13.357047 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were reported killed in Tajoura because of indiscriminate artillery shelling.

Wagak Original said on Twitter that three initially unidentified bodies were found in the Al Khala area and sent to the Tripoli Medical Hospital. They were then “identified as Khairi Bizik and his brother Karim Bizik and Hamza Goma.” The source added that they were hit by indiscriminate shelling at a traffic light in the Wadi al Rabie area.

Other sources on social media published similar reports, Mohamed Al Megrahi posted graphic pictures of the three victims on Facebook.

Local reports indicate that the 7th Brigade and GNA-affiliated militias were shelling around Tajoura that day.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Khairi Bizik
Adult male Via Wagak Original killed
Karim Bizik
Adult male Via Wagak Original killed

The victims were named as:

Hamza Goma
Adult male Via Wagak Original killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of an alleged victim (via Mohamed Al Megrahi)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of an alleged victim (via Mohamed Al Megrahi)
  • Image of another supposed victim (via Tripoli Tewa)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Wadi Al Rabie (الطويشة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.709600, 13.382378. 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 Wadi Al Rabie (الطويشة).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

7th Brigade Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    7th Brigade
  • 7th Brigade position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC082

Incident date

June 6, 2018

Location

شميخ, Shumaykh, Misurata, Libya

Geolocation

31.435742498574424, 13.958174302831182 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

AFRICOM reported that it conducted a precision strike on ISIS near Bani Walid. While the US itself said that 4 members of the organisation were killed in the attack, including senior member Abdul-Ati Eshtewi, on a vehicle, local sources reported that three of the people in the car were actually civilians.

Alrseefa reported: “Reconciliation in Tripoli is a violation of human rights and the fate of the Libyan citizen, where the operation resulted in the killing of three innocent citizens have nothing to do with ISIS, […] note that these young people:

Matouq Saad Milad Yaga
Mohammed Wanis Abusta
Selim Mohammed Al-Drouei

do not carry any radical thought.”

Marsad reported: “The same source told Al-Marsad that Eshtewi was killed by the raid in the Wadi al-Baqayla area west of the Shamikh area, referring to the killing of three young men with relatives who are not belonging to ISIS calling during their presence in the same car targeted by the bombing by an unknown aircraft.

Libya Observer reported: “Meanwhile, a source from Bani Walid confirmed to The Libya Observer that three civilians and one ISIS fugitive – all from Bani Walid – were killed in the airstrike.” It added: “‘Eshtewi and his three relatives haven’t seen each other for a long time, so Eshtewi contacted them using Thuraya phone to have Ramadan Iftar with them in Eshmikh, some 35 km south of Bani Walid town.’ The source said. The three civilians were identified as Matouq Milad, Mohammed Abu Sittah and Salim Daroue.”

While AFRICOM only reported the strike was conducted near Bani Walid, local sources said it was in Shumaykh, 35km south of Bani Walid.

On June 20th AFRICOM published a statement on the civilian harm allegation saying: “In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), U.S. forces conducted a precision airstrike near Bani Walid, Libya, on June 6, killing four (4) ISIS-Libya militants, as previously released.

Following reports alleging civilian casualties resulting from this operation, U.S. Africa Command performed a thorough review and determined the allegations of civilian casualties to be not credible.

As with any allegation of civilian casualties, U.S. Africa Command reviewed all available relevant information concerning the incident.

The command complies with the law of armed conflict and takes all feasible precautions to minimise civilian casualties and other collateral damage.”

In its June 2018 report, UNSMIL reported: “On 5 June, three civilians were killed in an airstrike claimed by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) near Beni Walid. The three were riding in a vehicle with a member of a UN-designated terrorist group when hit.”

Jana reported that the Bani Walid Municipal Council demanded an investigation into the case and “was waiting for an official apology for the unjustified killing.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Matouq Saad Milad Yaga
Adult male Via Libya 24 killed
Mohammed Wanis Abusta
Adult male Via Libya 24 killed
Selim Mohammed Al-Drouei
Adult male Via Libya 24 killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • 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 attacker
    Unknown

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Footage of the destroyed vehicle
  • Images of those reportedly killed in the strike (Al Marsad)
  • Abdul-Ati Eshtewi in 2014 (via Al Marsad)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Shumaykh (شميخ). The coordinates for Shumaykh are: 31.435742498574424, 13.958174302831182.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • 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 attacker
    Unknown

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC066

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Location

درنة الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

An LNA airplane conducted strikes in Al-Fatayih, according to various sources. Libya Al Mostakbal reported there were no human casualties but a herd of sheep got hit and some of the animals were killed.

Several sources claimed that the plane later crashed over Tobruk into the Tersha neighbourhood, which led to the death of the pilot Saleh Jawda.

Mohamed Idris Mansori later posted a statement from the Derna Shura Council on Twitter stating that there were casualties from the airstrike itself. However, the plane crashed into the house of the Elkishi family, killing both husband and wife. Libyan News Network‎ said that three residents died.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Image: Libya Observer
  • Image: Alnabaa

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Fatayah (درنة 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

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
    2 – 3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC041

Incident date

September 16, 2016

Location

الجغبوب, Jaghbub, Butnan, Libya

Geolocation

29.741912, 24.515678 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an incident dated no later than September 16th, Alwasat reported that three young men from Al-Bayda were killed in an Egyptian airstrike after crossing the border coming from a fishing trip near Jaghbub.

The journal named the victims as Mu’taz Salem Ali Bhohelasiya, 19 years old, Hussam al-Gilani, 27 years old, and Salem Hussein Issa Fakreen, 30 years old.

According to the only survivor, Salem Khattab Hamad bin Ali Buhajar, he and his friends came under attack by bombing and gunfire: “The next morning, the battery of the vehicle ran out because the refrigerator was running. We relaxed a bit and started to prepare breakfast for my friends. In the meantime, a plane came flying around for half an hour. I ran a little away from the car that was blown up by the bombing. In fact, the scene was painful. My friend, Moataz died instantly, while the other two were alive, but one of them suffered severe burns and the other was hit by a bullet.”

He pointed out that Salem Fakirin died the day after the incident from his injuries, while Al-Jilani died on the third day because of their failure to save them and stay in the desert.

While Alwasat reported the incident occurred on the Egyptian side of the border, UNSMIL said in its September 2016 report that it was near Jaghbub in Libya.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mu’taz Salem Ali Bhohelasiya
17 years old male Via Alwasat killed
Hussam al-Gilani
27 years old male Via Alwasat killed
Salem Hussein Issa Fakreen
30 years old male Via Alwasat killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • An image shows the victims before they were killed in alleged Egyptian airstrike near r the border (Source: Al Wasat)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck in the vicinity of Jaghbub (الجغبوب) village. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Jaghbub are: 29.741912, 24.515678.

Egyptian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC100b

Incident date

January 16, 2019

Location

راس يوسف, Ras Yusuf, Nuqat al Khums, Libya

Geolocation

32.786200, 12.318565 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two women and an elderly man were reportedly killed by indiscriminate artillery shelling in Tripoli.

UNSMIL wrote in its civilian casualty report that “two women and an elderly man were killed in Ras Yusuf district while attempting to escape the shelling.”

Local reports point at GNA-affiliated militias or the 7th Brigade as the perpetrator behind the shelling.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 women1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ras Yusuf (راس يوسف), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.786200, 12.318565. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 women1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC141

Incident date

May 15, 2019

Location

القواسم, Qawasim, Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Geolocation

32.214378, 13.042078 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Civilians were reported killed by a GNA airstrike in Qawasim.

Ghada Elmehdwi reported: “Misrata targets civilians in Gheryan – Qawasim and victims occurred.”

Other sources did not mention civilian harm but the targeting of civilian homes. Wadi Dinar News Agency said that the houses of Sami and Ramzi Al Muntaser were damaged and posted pictures of them.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Government of National Accord

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Pictures of the aftermath

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Qawasim (القواسم), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.214378, 13.042078. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Government of National Accord

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC165

Incident date

July 16, 2019

Location

السواني, Al-Swani, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.712224, 13.07224 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three medics were reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike on a field hospital in Al-Swani.

Burkanly only said the hospital had been targeted without mentioning civilian harm.

OCHA Libya said three medical staff had been injured and equipment damaged.

Hona Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel reported that three combatants had been killed while several doctors and nurses were injured. The Libya Observer published a similar account.

According to the Libya Herald, “the Health Ministry claimed the Swani hospital was hit by an air strike which injured three ambulance drivers and a paramedic, and caused destruction to the hospital and its medical supplies and equipment.”

The Turkish state news outlet Anadolu Agency wrote: “Three medics were killed on Tuesday in an airstrike carried out by Eastern Libyan forces led by military commander Khalifa Haftar, according to forces aligned with the Tripoli-based government.”

The Libya Observer said that three government fighter were killed and ten others wounded including three medics.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army
  • Suspected target
    GNA
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Picture of the alleged aftermath (via Burkanly)
  • Another picture of the aftermath (via Libyan Express)
  • More pictures from the incident

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the incident took place in Al-Swani (السواني), for which the generic coordinates are 32.712224 13.07224. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 3
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army
  • Suspected target
    GNA
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC018c

Incident date

July 2, 2015

Location

النوفلية, Nofaliya, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

30.778694, 17.835027 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians from one family were reported killed in Nofaliya, Sirte in an LNA or NATO nation airstrike.

Jalferjani posted on Twitter that “The Al Diab family house was shelled by a NATO aircraft and two children and their parent were killed in the city of Sirte.”

Presslibya said that the LNA had bombed in the area but didn’t mention civilian harm.

Other sources only reported airstrikes but didn’t say who was behind them.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Al Diab Child 1
Child Via @JAlferjani killed
Al Diab Child 2
Child Via @JAlferjani killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Libyan National Army

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Nofaliya (النوفلية), for which the generic coordinates are: 30.778694, 17.835027. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown 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
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Libyan National Army

Sources (4) [ collapse]