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

November 14, 2016

Incident Code

LC049

LOCATION

قرضة, Qaradah, Wadi ash Shati, Libya

France allegedly conducted airstrikes in Qaradah north of Sabha which killed Al Qaeda leader Abdul Muneim al-Hasnawi, also known as Abu Talha al-Libi and six other members of the organisation. The mayor of the city, Hassen Matoug, contested the events on Facebook and claimed that up to eight civilians were killed in the attack. He

Summary

First published
November 14, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
French Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 12, 2016

Incident Code

LC048

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

A man was killed and three of his daughters injured in an airstrike – with some reports suggested two were in fact killed. Ean Libya reported the death of a man and the wounding of two children when airstrikes hit the Ganfouda area of Benghazi. It reported that the voices of two girls could be

Summary

First published
November 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
United Arab Emirates Military, Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

LQ037

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

Libya’s Channel and Libya Akhbar reported on October 28th that ISIS was using civilians as human shields and that the evacuation of civilians was causing delay to the GNA campaign. The outlets both referred to Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous spokesman Rida Issa: “A member of the media centre of the Chamber of Operation, Rida Issa, said that

Summary

First published
October 28, 2016
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 belligerents
Government of National Accord, US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

October 24, 2016

Incident Code

LC047

LOCATION

الجيزة, Giza, Surt, Libya

The US conducted four airstrikes in the Giza neighbourhood in Sirte. One source on Facebook mentioned that Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous soldiers found seven dead bodies of civilians in a house. The bodies were apparently charred. According to Madridi Aween, “Our rebels found a number of bodies in several houses in the camp during a search by the

Summary

First published
October 24, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

October 20, 2016

Incident Code

LC046

LOCATION

الجيزة, Giza, Surt, Libya

On October 21st Ahmed El Sharkawy claimed that the bodies of children and women were trapped under rubble in Giza but didn’t say what the reason for the destruction was. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

First published
October 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
4–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2016

Incident Code

LC045

LOCATION

ميناء درنه, Derna Port, Darnah, Libya

One fisherman was killed and another injured when an airstrike hit their boat in the waters off Derna, according to local reports. Al Nabaa reported that one civilian was killed and another wounded in an LNA airstrike on the port of Derna. Al Nabaa later reported the dead man was a fisherman who was killed

Summary

First published
October 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

LC044

LOCATION

Vicinity of Water Tower, Surt, Libya

According to several sources on Twitter, at least two civilians died in a US airstrike in the morning in Sirte, one of them a child. The sources did not give clear estimates on casualties, though the pictures show two people most likely dead. Two more injured children can be spotted in the images. One source

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

October 6, 2016

Incident Code

LQ036

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA self-reported what it said was “an air strike targeting a field hospital belonging to terrorist militias in the Qanfouda area.” Casualties among patients and health workers are not presently known.

Summary

First published
October 6, 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

October 4, 2016

Incident Code

LC043

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Two sources reported that ten civilians were killed as the result of seven LNA airstrikes on Ganfouda. According to Arabi21, two families were killed, (including three children, their mother and father in one of the families) as well as foreign workers. Al Jazeera reported that “10 civilians were killed and 32 others, including Arabs and

Summary

First published
October 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 16
Civilians reported injured
45
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
French Military, United Arab Emirates Military, Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Incident Code

LQ035

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA self-reported airstrikes on what it said were ‘terrorist groups’ operating in Qawarsheh near the European hospital. Alnabaa uploaded a video showing the extent of destruction to civilian homes from airstrikes in Ganfouda but didn’t specify the date of the attacks. There were no public reports at the time of civilian harm.

Summary

First published
October 1, 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

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

September 20, 2016

Incident Code

LC042

LOCATION

مشروع نينا الزّراعي, Ninah Agricultural Project, Al Jufrah, Libya

Seven civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike in the vicinity of Ninah Agricultural Project near Sokna. Multiple outlets including the Libyan Observer reported seven dead and at least four wounded. Alsdaa Alibya listed six women and one child among the victims, naming them in a Facebook post. The sources claim that the strike came

Summary

First published
September 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(1 child6 women)
Civilians reported injured
3–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Named victims
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 16, 2016

Incident Code

LC041

LOCATION

الجغبوب, Jaghbub, Al Butnan, Libya

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

Summary

First published
September 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Egyptian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2016

Incident Code

LQ034

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA self-reported MiG-23 strikes on “armed militias” in Ganfouda. However, Benghazi News claimed on Twitter that three airstrikes had been deliberately aimed at civilian infrastructure. Russia Today added that the bombardment led to a demonstration asking to lift the siege on Ganfouda. It also reported that “Libyan media sources said Monday that the Council

Summary

First published
August 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

August 28, 2016

Incident Code

LC040

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Up to 21 civilians were reportedly killed in airstrikes on Benghazi. Three local families were reportedly killed as well as 11 Sudanese workers. While the majority of sources named the LNA as the belligerent, Libya Mostakbal claimed that is was conducted by a ‘Predator’ drone which isn’t part of the LNA air force. However, UAE

Summary

First published
August 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
21
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 12, 2016

Incident Code

LC039

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Various sources reported that between 20 and 31 civilians were killed and around 30 more injured as a result of airstrikes in Ganfouda. Two targets appear to have been struck – a residential home and a prison. While some sources claimed the attack was conducted by an unknown foreign drone, others blame the LNA or

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 31
(3 women1–2 men)
Civilians reported injured
30
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, French Military
Named victims
27 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

LC039a

LOCATION

بالقرب مدرسة خليج التحدي, Vicinity of Gulf Challenge School, Surt, Libya

Various sources reported the death of Mohammed al-Qadhafi as a result of a US airstrike on his family home in Sirte. Tek burns everything said on Facebook: “Mohammed al-Qadhafi, from Farajan of the family of Alwasa name of his mother, Haniyeh Faraj, lives in outside the planned district next to the Gulf Challenge School. Today,

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2016

Incident Code

LC038

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

An elderly man was reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike in Ganfouda, according to Emhona who reported the event on Twitter. He didn’t provide any further details. The LNA itself reported that its MiG-21 and a MiG-23 targeted the Shura Council in Ganfouda which reported five of its fighters died in an official statement on

Summary

First published
August 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Incident Code

LQ033

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

In an alleged friendly fire incident, a US strike in Sirte was reported to have accidentally killed 13 Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous members. According to Erem News, LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari commented on the incident: “Colonel Ahmed al-Mismari reported the killing of 13 GNA soldiers in a US aircraft by mistake, which was targeting elements of Daesh

Summary

First published
August 3, 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
US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2016

Incident Code

LC037

LOCATION

السيدة خديجة, Sayeda Khadija, Darnah, Libya

Two civilians were injured when the LNA bombed an ammunition depot in Derna, according to local sources. Ean Libya reported that two civilians were wounded – and two houses destroyed – in airstrikes in Derna. Almmlka reported that the LNA targeted weapons caches and that the attack also injured civilians. It named the injured as

Summary

First published
August 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2016

Incident Code

LQ032

LOCATION

اجدابيا, Ajdabia, Al Wahat, Libya

The LNA self-reported helicopter strikes in Ajdabiya between 04:00 and 07:00 near Al-Jelaydah. It said that cars, tanks and ammunition stores were targeted. Local sources added that two boats northeast of Ajdabiya near Zuwetina were targeted. Two sources also reported that Al Qaeda senior figure Ibrahim al-Sheikh and five of his companions were killed by

Summary

First published
July 13, 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

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

LC036

LOCATION

درنة‎, Derna, Darnah, Libya

The LNA reported that it had struck Al Qaeda in the western part of Derna. Other sources said the steam station got damaged. One person on Twitter posted an image of a dead child but didn’t give any further details except for saying it was in Derna. The event could be discounted as the footage

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2016

Incident Code

LC035

LOCATION

عمارة شنيب, Shneib building, Darnah, Libya

Between one and 10 civilians died and up to nine more were wounded in alleged LNA airstrikes on residential areas of Derna, local sources said. Arabi 21 put the death toll at one, reporting that “a civilian was killed and eight wounded on Saturday in an air strike on a plane belonging to retired Brigadier General

Summary

First published
July 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 10
Civilians reported injured
8–9
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 26, 2016

Incident Code

LC034a

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

One civilian was allegedly killed by an airstrike on Sirte. Sirte El Azz posted: “The death of Haj Mohammed Hussein Faraj al Jair Kadhafi as a result of aerial bombardment, where he was in his farm next to camels.” Other sources published similar accounts.

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Unknown
Suspected target
Other
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2016

Incident Code

LC034

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

According to the LNA Facebook page, a MiG-23 hit two targets in Ganfouda. A MiG-21 also hit two targets near the Nairouz resort. A Mi-17 team also reportedly targeted Qawarsheh and two boats near the Nairouz resort that were unloading ammunition and personnel. A single Twitter source claimed that a ‘foreign aircraft’ had bombed a civilian

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 2016

Incident Code

LQ031

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Regency Hotel, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA reported that it targeted a boat with an airstrike near the Regency Hotel near Sabri, and reported terrorist positions near Qawarsheh. In addition, it said its MiG-21 hit a moving target at the roundabout near the pipe factory. Local sources added that an ISIS leader named Hassan al-Mushaiti was killed in one of the airstrikes. In

Summary

First published
June 16, 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 13, 2016

Incident Code

LC033

LOCATION

درنة‎, Derna, Darnah, Libya

According to local media reports, a father and his son were killed in an LNA airstrike south of Derna while driving in their car to go to the bank. Alwasat reported: “A medical source in the city of Derna confirmed that a man and his son were killed by Libyan air force shelling of a

Summary

First published
June 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 9, 2016

Incident Code

LC032

LOCATION

شركة الجبل, Al Jabal Company, Darnah, Libya

At least three and as many as six civilians – most of them children – died in airstrikes on Derna, according to sources on the ground. LNA reported that its MiG-23 carried out air raids near the Western gates of Derna. While the LNA report didn’t mention civilian casualties, local sources reported between three and five

Summary

First published
June 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(2–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
8
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 2, 2016

Incident Code

LC031

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Al Qawarishah, Benghazi, Libya

An LNA MiG-21 carried out a series of airstrikes in Al-Shajar Street and hit one target near the Gwaresh buildings according to its social media. A single Twitter source added that LNA forces had hit a civilian house with barrel bombs, claiming that “Haftar Air targets more civilian houses with explosive barrels.” There were no

Summary

First published
June 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2016

Incident Code

LQ030

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

LNA fighter jets targeted a vessel west of Qamins 25 km west of Benghazi according to the official LNA Facebook page. Social media sources added that the LNA also launched raids on Qawarsheh, Bosnib and Sabri. The status of any civilian crew onboard the vessel is unknown. 

Summary

First published
May 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