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 19, 2016

Incident Code

LC030

LOCATION

الوشكة, Al-Wushka, Surt, Libya

According to various local sources a GNA/Misurata Air Force airstrike hit a car while targeting ISIS forces. Two members of the al-Mazoughi family, a man and his wife, were reportedly severely injured. The incident took place near the villages Al-Washka, Al-Qadihah and Zamzam. In addition, ten ISIS members were reported killed in the strike, including

Summary

First published
May 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Suspected target
ISIS - Libya
View Incident

Incident date

April 23, 2016

Incident Code

LC029

LOCATION

القصارات, Al Kassarat, Darnah, Libya

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

Summary

First published
April 23, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

April 13, 2016

Incident Code

LQ029

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

LNA MiG-23s targeted two vessels near Benghazi according to the official Facebook page. Another plane hit four reported ISIL targets near Garyounis in Qawarsheh and Garyounis. The status of any civilian crew onboard the vessels remains unknown.

Summary

First published
April 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

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

March 18, 2016

Incident Code

LQ027

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

In a separate incident to LC027, the LNA reported that it targeted ‘terrorist operation rooms’ with MiG-21s and MiG-23s in Qawarsheh. It also said it sunk two rafts 150 West of Benghazi at 22:45 and a vessel at 03:25. At 04:55 another vessel was reportedly targeted and destroyed.

Summary

First published
March 18, 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

March 18, 2016

Incident Code

LC028

LOCATION

شواطئ بنغازي, Benghazi Shoreline, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA targeted a marine trailer reportedly carrying 10 tanks, 3 containers of ammunition and a number of vehicles off the shores of Benghazi at around 03:00 according to its Facebook page. In an apparent maritime version of a double tap strike, the LNA further reported that other boats then tried to save the people

Summary

First published
March 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2016

Incident Code

LC027

LOCATION

الهواري, Al-Hawary, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA posted a video of a helicopter squadron targeting alleged terrorists. The video depicts people caught in explosions, and vehicles and buildings suffering damage. However the combatant status of those hit is unclear.

Summary

First published
March 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2016

Incident Code

LC026

LOCATION

الزعفران, Zaafran, Surt, Libya

Two female children and their mother from Hamad Hamed Al-Sayah Hambali were among up to eight victims who died in airstrikes on the area of Zafaran and the power station in Sirte, local media reported. The daughters were named as Isra and Wafaa. According to Mahmoud Mohamed Salem on March 9th, “there were frequent reports of

Summary

First published
March 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(2 children)
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.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Suspected target
Other
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2016

Incident Code

LQ026

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA reported that it destroyed two sea vessels West of Benghazi near Al Jawhara resort. The statement says that the boats belonged to the Derna Shura Council and were carrying ‘fighters and ammunition’. In addition, the LNA launched strikes on reported positions of the terrorist militias in Qawarsheh and the perimeter of the cement factory

Summary

First published
March 9, 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

March 6, 2016

Incident Code

LC025

LOCATION

جارف, Jarf, Surt, Libya

One man died and his son and another man were wounded in an airstrike on the village of Jarf, local media reported. Multiple sources, including Ewan Libya, named the fatality as Muhammad Hessar Amouri, adding that his son Abu-Shiba Abdulrahman Abustah was wounded, as was a third man, named as Omran Zerouq Khattari. According to @AbuzeidSultan, the Muhammad Hessar

Summary

First published
March 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2016

Incident Code

LQ025a

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA launched “accurate” airstrikes against terrorist militias in Qawarsheh and Sabri according to their Facebook page.

Summary

First published
February 24, 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

February 19, 2016

Incident Code

LC024

LOCATION

صبراتة‎: قصر تليل / علالقة, Sabratha, Qasr Talil / Alalqa, Al Zawiyah, Libya

Two civilians of Serbian embassy staffers died along with a reported two or more women in a US airstrike in Sabratha which overall killed between 43 and 60 people – mostly Tunisians, who were allegedly training to carry out atrocities in Tunisia on behalf of ISIS. The strike also reportedly killed Noureddine Chouchane, a senior member of

Summary

First published
February 19, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 woman2 men)
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
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 10, 2016

Incident Code

LQ025

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Jawhara Resort, Benghazi, Libya

LNA and various sources reported that it targeted ‘terrorists strongholds’ in Sidi Faraj, Al-Laithi, Bouatni and Garyounis, near Nabous Square. It also hit a vessel 40 km off the Coast. According to Al Wasat, the vessel was loaded with ammunition. According to the LNA’s official site, “A Libyan Arab air force fighter on Wednesday targeted

Summary

First published
February 10, 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

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

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

LC023

LOCATION

درنة‎: باب طبرق, Bab Tobruk, Darnah, Libya

An unknown aircraft bombed the Bab Tobruk neighbourhood near the medical centre in Derna, which led to the death of a woman and her child, according to local and international sources. The three strikes, which reportedly targeted the Shura Council, damaged the Al Wahda hospital and the Omar bin Khattab mosque in the Zuhour district

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
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
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2016

Incident Code

LQ023

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Leithi, Benghazi, Libya

LNA reported that it carried out intensive airstrikes against ISIS targets in the Sabri, Bouatni, Al-Leithi, Hawari and Qawarsheh areas of Benghazi. However, despite the intensive attacks there were no known local reports of civilian harm.

Summary

First published
January 31, 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

January 12, 2016

Incident Code

LQ022

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Power plant, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA reported that it conducted airstrikes against ISIS in Benghazi. The Air Force targeted a field hospital and an ammuniton store in Sidi Faraj, a camp in Garyounis, ISIS centres in Sabri and Al-Leithi and various vehicles at the axis of the Safsafa project. An UNSMIL report later noted that a power plant had

Summary

First published
January 12, 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

January 5, 2016

Incident Code

LQ021

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA reported that it conducted airstrikes against what it described as terrorists in the neighbourhoods of Hawari, the fish market, and Bosnib, along with other targets in the Western part of the city. Al Arabiya reported that a MiG-21 was also shot down by ISIS during the bombings, crashing without reported loss of life in

Summary

First published
January 5, 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

December 26, 2015

Incident Code

LC022

LOCATION

اجدابيا, Ajdabiya, Al Wahat, Libya

LNA strikes reportedly targeted alleged terrorists in the industrial area of Ajdabiya. Sources reported that a Sudanese cafe and/or car repair shop was struck during the raids – along with a policeman travelling nearby in his car. Up to three civilians reportedly died with as many as 19 more wounded. According to Libya 24, “military

Summary

First published
December 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
17–19
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 10, 2015

Incident Code

LQ020

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Leithi, Benghazi, Libya

Twitter sources reported airstrikes in the Benghazi neighbourhoods of Leithi, Al-Halis, Al-Nahr, Tika and Bouatni. According to @LibyasChannel, “the Air Force continued to target the sites of terrorists in Al-Leithi and Alnahr road and Hawari and the western axis in the vicinity of the region of Alhalis”. There were no known public reports of civilian harm

Summary

First published
December 10, 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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

December 7, 2015

Incident Code

LQ019

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

According to local sources, more than 18 LNA airstrikes were carried out in Benghazi in the areas of Ganfouda, Bouatni, Sidi Faraj near the cement factory, and Marissa port. The strikes in Ganfouda reportedly targeted a convoy with 16 cars. On December 7th, Sputnik said: “Libyan air force spokesman Nasir al-Hassi told Sputnik that Libyan

Summary

First published
December 7, 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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

November 25, 2015

Incident Code

LQ018

LOCATION

درنة‎, port, Darnah, Libya

LNA helicopters reportedly targeted a boat loaded with weapons off the coast of Derna belonging to the Shura Council. Alarabiya said that the captain of the boat initially claimed it was carrying humanitarian aid. Sources reported that the strike killed Ansar Al Sharia leader Hamid Alshaari. According to Alshorook, “Ansar al-Sharia, the so-called Shura Council of Mujahideen

Summary

First published
November 25, 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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2015

Incident Code

LC021

LOCATION

مسلاتة, Msallata, Marqab, Libya

Five civilians died, and up to 16 more were wounded in an airstrike or artillery attack on a checkpoint in Msallata near Khoms, local media reported. According to Reda Issa, “Misurata Central Hospital received the bodies of five martyrs who were killed by the treacherous bombing Tuesday morning at the Maslata gate.” Abdulwahab Mlitan also reported

Summary

First published
November 24, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
16
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
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2015

Incident Code

LQ017

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Nairouz family resort, Benghazi, Libya

LNA strikes reportedly targeted alleged terrorists in Benghazi in the Sabri, and fish market areas and at Marissa port. Al Arabiya accompanied a helicopter that took part in the raids with a camera. According to Rihab, “the Libyan air force on Sunday evening [Nov 8th] bombed sites belonging to the organisation of ISIS in the

Summary

First published
November 8, 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
Libyan National Army
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

October 19, 2015

Incident Code

LC020

LOCATION

اليثى, Al Leithi, Benghazi, Libya

Five people, including children, were killed by a shell in Leithi in eastern Benghazi, according to Russia Today. Russia Today reported: “‘The initial result of the shell that fell on Al-Leithi area is 4 dead and four wounded, mostly children under the age of 10, and there are critical cases,’ said the hospital of Al-Jalaa

Summary

First published
October 19, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2015

Incident Code

LQ015

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Leithi, Benghazi, Libya

Various social media sources reported airstrikes in the Bouatni, Leithi and Al-Nahr areas of Benghazi in response to artillery shelling by alleged ISIS members. One source – @hamza27990139 – claimed an apartment building was hit but didn’t say if there was civilian harm. They said that “the Libyan airforce bombed an ISIS position in an apartment building”.

Summary

First published
October 12, 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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

October 1, 2015

Incident Code

LQ014

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi: port, Benghazi, Libya

Various sources reported that the LNA bombed three ships said to have been trying to deliver weapons to alleged terrorists in Benghazi. According to Libya’s Channel, “Maj. Mohammed Al-Hijazi said that the Air Force bombed three ships last night headed from Misrata Port carrying ammunition and fighters destined for the city of Benghazi to support

Summary

First published
October 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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

September 28, 2015

Incident Code

LQ013

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, port, Benghazi, Libya

Local sources reported LNA air and artillery strikes in the Sabri and fish market neighbourhoods, and near the cement factory. In addition, a boat allegedly loaded with weapons trying to enter Marissa port was targeted. There were no known public reports of civilian harm.

Summary

First published
September 28, 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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

September 27, 2015

Incident Code

LQ012

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Bouatni, Benghazi, Libya

Local sources reported multiple helicopter strikes on Benghazi in the Bouatni, Sabri, Leithi and fish market areas. It also posted a video showing artillery shelling but didn’t specify on the location. There were no public reports of civilian harm.

Summary

First published
September 27, 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
Libyan National Army
View Incident