Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
Libya
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Incident Code

LC170

Incident date

July 22, 2019

Location

سوق الجمعة , Souq Al Jumaa, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.881854, 13.256303 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three children were allegedly killed because of indiscriminate shelling on the Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood of Tripoli.

The Libya Observer initially reported no civilian harm: “At least three mortar shells landed on civilian houses near the international airport of Tripoli, without reports of human casualties so far.”

Hona Souq Al-Khmies Emsihel said three children from the Dahim family had been “severely injured” because of the shelling.

Tk Yahrouq kl shy2 wrote that three children were killed in the Souq Al Jumaa area.

Due to local reports of fighting the shelling could have been conducted by either GNA or LNA.

An Amnesty International investigation later found: “Five children were injured on 22 July 2019, when two rockets landed near where they were playing, along the outer wall of the Dahim family home, south of Mitiga airport. The uncle of three of the children told Amnesty International:

‘Ramadhan, who is two, was injured in the face and hands, his sister Asil, who is 12, sustained internal injuries in the lungs and kidneys and a piece of shrapnel was lodged by the spinal cord; a very dangerous injury. And Rinad, who is 4, was injured in the head. Also two children from two neighbouring families were injured, Hedeya, and Minna, both 12 years old. It was about 8.30 pm and the children were playing by the wall. First one shell landed on the outer side of the wall and the children moved and then another shell landed exactly where the children had been playing only a few minutes before. If they had not moved, they would had been killed.’

Fragments recovered at the scene by Amnesty International investigators confirm that the weapon was a large rocket, most likely a 122mm 9M22U ‘Grad’ rocket.”

The incident occured at 20:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ramadhan
2 years old male injured
Asil
12 years old female injured
Rinad
4 years old male injured

Family members (2)

Hedeya
12 years old female injured
Minna
12 years old female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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, Libyan National Army

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • More pictures of the aftermath

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Souq Al Jumaa (سوق الجمعة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.881854, 13.256303. 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 Souq Al Jumaa (سوق الجمعة).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord 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

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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, Libyan National Army

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC084a

Incident date

August 28, 2018

Location

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.709600, 13.382378 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians, a woman and her two sons, were killed as the result of artillery shelling on Wadi al Rabie in Tajoura, according to Human Rights Watch.

The NGO reported: “On August 28, a mortar shell landed on a house in Wadi Al-Rabie, killing a woman and her two sons, aged 6 and 10, according to Ali, who was among the crew recovering the bodies. “The scene is difficult to describe,” he said. “We only found some body parts of the woman, and her two children were badly burned. They all died on the spot.”

Local media reports indicate that GNA-affiliated militias and the 7th Brigade were shelling the area at the time of the incident.

There are currently no other sources available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

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
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC139

Incident date

May 13, 2019

Location

الزاوية‎, Zawiya, Libya

Geolocation

32.759709, 12.732495 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Civilians were reported killed and injured in an LNA airstrike on Zawiya.

Riyadh Burshan said that there were “reports of civilian casualties and injuries” because of “Aerial bombardment of the town of Zawiya” but did not specify how many.

Other sources only reported LNA bombarment and showed pictures of damaged buildings and cars. Most of them said that the Faruq militia was targeted.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Picture of the alleged strike
  • Pictures of the alleged aftermath
  • Video showing the aftermath of the strike

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Zawiya (الزاوية‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.759709, 12.732495. 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

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC029

Incident date

April 23, 2016

Location

القصارات, Al Kassarat, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

32.764181, 22.639990 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians including one woman died and up to seven more people were wounded in strikes on Derna, according to local media. The source Alnabaa reported “12 raids”, while some other sources reported that barrel bombs were dropped.

LNA posted a video of its forces dropping a bomb on a ‘terrorist ammunition store’ in the sports city area of Derna. It further reported strikes near the Poppy Farm, the Turkish company hangar, on a gathering of fighters near south of Bab Sheha and a location at the foot of the mountain.

While the official LNA site did not mention civilians casualties, various local sources reported that three people dead and seven others were injured. Ajwa named the location of the incident as Al-Kassarat near the Dhahr al-Hamr area in the South of the city, putting the death toll at three with seven more wounded.

According to Libya Panorama one woman was killed.

The names of the dead were given as Mohammed Musab Shalawi and Masoud al-Ghaithi, a local imam, while the third body couldn’t be identified.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–7
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Kassarat (القصارات), allegedly located within the city of Derna (درنة‎). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Derna are: 32.764181, 22.639990.

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
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–7
  • 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 (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC010

Incident date

December 28, 2014

Location

بن جواد, Bin Jawad, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

30.806667, 18.062778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two physicians were killed and seven more people were reported wounded in an alleged GNC/Libya Dawn airstrike at a field hospital in Bin Jawad, according to local sources.

James Wheeler tweeted: Two physicians were reported killed and 7 other people injured by an airstrike near a field hospital at Bin Jawad.

Multiple sources have identified two victims (doctors).

According to @EbrahimGasuda, medical staff in the field hospital in the area of Ben Jawad were wounded and two doctors killed. who were present after the bombing of fighter aircraft belonging to the militias Haftar.

However, sources didn’t say whether the victims were military personnel or civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Dr. Suleiman Hajeeba
Adult male Via Al Manara Media killed
Dr Abdul Aziz Aaneibah“.
Adult male Via Al Manara Media killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    General National Congress (GNC)

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture shows Dr Suleiman Ahjeeba, killed in an alleged GNC/Libya Dawn strike on a field hospital in Bin Jawad, Dec 28th (via Al Manara Media)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A picture shows Dr Abdul Aziz Aaneibah, killed in an alleged GNC/Libya Dawn strike on a field hospital in Bin Jawad, Dec 28th (via Al Manara Media)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a field hospital being struck in the village of Bin Jawad (بن جواد), for which the generic coordinates are: 30.806667, 18.062778. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

General National Congress (GNC) Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    General National Congress (GNC)
  • General National Congress (GNC) position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    General National Congress (GNC)

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC144

Incident date

May 23, 2019

Location

طرابلس‎, Tripoli: Airport road, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.806027, 13.139814 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and wwo health workers were killed in an LNA airstrike on Tripoli.

The FMSC said: “The Field Medicine and Support Center is deeply saddened by the death of our colleague Dr. Rami Abdulrazzaq Shawia of the field hospital, Zahra, after being hit by a guided missile in the ambulance.”

Other sources also reported one death. Libya Alahrar TV said the LNA was responsible.

United Nations Libya tweeted: “2 more health workers killed yesterday in Tripoli, Libya.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Dr. Rami Abdulrazzaq Shawia
Adult male Health worker killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1–2 men)
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Dr. Rami Abdulrazzaq Shawia (via Libya Alahrar TV)
  • Statement by the FMSC
  • Statement by the Ministry of Health

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of the road leading to the airport in Tripoli (طرابلس‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.806027, 13.139814. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of the road leading to the airport in Tripoli (طرابلس‎).

    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
    1 – 2
  • (1–2 men)
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC178a

Incident date

August 8, 2019

Location

بندلوة, مرزق, Bendalwah, Murzuq, Murzuq, Libya

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were allegedly killed and four children injured by a mortar shell in Murzuq.

OCHA reported: “On 8 August, a mortar landed on a house hosting IDPs in the Bendalwah neighborhood resulting in injuries among four children between 2 and 7 years-old and the death of two siblings.”

Other sources picked up on the report and quoted OCHA on the incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Bendalwah (بندلوة), allegedly within Murzuq (مرزق) town. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Murzuq are: 25.919023, 13.923895.

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC019

Incident date

July 23, 2015

Location

بنغازي‎: مستشفى الجمهورية, Republic Hospital, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.127252, 20.071549 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to Russia Today, “medical sources in the city of Benghazi said that two people died and ten were wounded on Thursday (July 23rd) in clashes in the city centre between army forces and Islamist militants.”

Ewan Libya reported that one civilian was killed after a shell fell on the Ben Younis area.

Local sources reported LNA airstrikes with MiG-23 as well as Mi-25 and Mi-35 helicopters near Bouhdeima, Sabri, the fish market area and Leithi.

Other sources also reported fierce clashes in the Sabri area but made no mention of civilian casualties.

According to Alarab, “clashes were renewed in the city of Benghazi, between the Libyan army with the support of civilians, and elements of Islamic State and the Shura Council of the rebels in Benghazi. This led to the displacement of a number of people. Sources said the clashes were taking place in the area of Bouhdeima in Benghazi, east of the country, between the army and armed militias, while the Libyan army planes bombed the positions of militants.”

Egy News also spoke of an intense bombardment, reporting shelling of “the dens of terrorists with heavy artillery and tanks, in addition to air strikes from the eagles of the air force”.

Other sources – @AlmanaraMedia and @EanLibya – tweeted that “explosive barrels” were dropped on the area – but again, made no mention of civilian casualties.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention airstrikes targeting ammunition depots near Benghazi’s Republic Hospital (مستشفى الجمهورية), for which the coordinates are: 32.127252, 20.071549. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Image showing the location of the Republic Hospital in Benghazi, near where the airstrike targeted.

    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
    1 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]