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

September 26, 2015

Incident Code

LQ011

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, 319 camp, Benghazi, Libya

Six LNA airstrikes and artillery actions reportedly hit Bouatni, the fish market area and Sabri in Benghazi. One airstrike also hit a boat allegedly loaded with weapons trying to enter Marissa port. According to Akhbar Libya 24, Ansar al-Sharia responded with indiscriminate artillery shelling on residential areas to the strikes but only caused damage to

Summary

First published
September 26, 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 25, 2015

Incident Code

LQ010

LOCATION

درنة الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Darnah, Libya

The LNA reportedly targeted the Shura Council and ISIS with 25 airstrikes at dawn in the eastern part of the city. According to Libya 24 News, “a plane belonging to the Libyan air force struck at dawn today sites belonging to the Libyan branch of the Islamic State organization ‘Daesh’ east of the city of

Summary

First published
September 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

August 25, 2015

Incident Code

LQ009a

LOCATION

درنة الفتايح, Derna: Al Fatayah, Darnah, Libya

Local sources reported heavy LNA shelling on populated areas in Derna. Mohamed Alshiki posted on Twitter: “Heavy shelling by the Libyan air force now by using warplanes and vertical combat The shelling also included the valleys in Derna.” Ramaa_el_gd reported, “bombing by Haftar which hit three residential neighbourhoods, led to burning farms and the some

Summary

First published
August 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

August 7, 2015

Incident Code

LQ009

LOCATION

درنة‎, port, Darnah, Libya

Local sources reported that the LNA bombed a boat carrying ‘gunmen and weapons’ near Derna. There were, however, no reports of civilian harm. According to Ashoruq, “A plane belonging to the Libyan air force at the Tobruk base bombed a boat carrying gunmen and ammunition off the port of Derna, Libya’s central gate reported Friday.

Summary

First published
August 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

August 1, 2015

Incident Code

LC019a

LOCATION

اجدابيا: مبنى التدريب المهني, Ajdabiya Vocational Training Center, Al Wahat, Libya

Between two and four people were reportedly killed in an alleged LNA airstrike on Ajdabiya. Belreish said that “two people were killed and two Syrian workers were injured in a marble workshop. They were injured by shrapnel from aerial bombardment.” Tariq Gibrel wrote that two Syrians were killed, two injured and two Chadian injured. Amrajaa

Summary

First published
August 1, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
2–6
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 23, 2015

Incident Code

LC019

LOCATION

بنغازي‎: مستشفى الجمهورية, Republic Hospital, Benghazi, Libya

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

Summary

First published
July 23, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2015

Incident Code

LQ008

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, port, Benghazi, Libya

Several sources reported LNA planes hitting two boats allegedly belonging to Ansar Al-Sharia loaded with weapons and ammunition. One of the boats sunk, the other one was damaged. Several outlets including Iran Arabic Radio and Sputnik Arabic reported comments from an LNA spokesperson, who said the attacks targeted two ships, both carrying weapons. Air Force

Summary

First published
July 19, 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

July 2, 2015

Incident Code

LC018c

LOCATION

النوفلية, Nofaliya, Surt, Libya

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

Summary

First published
July 2, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerents
Unknown, Libyan National Army
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2015

Incident Code

LC018a

LOCATION

درنة, Darnah, Libya

Four civilians were reported killed in an alleged LNA airstrike on Darnah. Majed wrote on Twitter that “the number of martyrs killed by the Haftar airliner has risen to four in the city of Darnah, the same number of civilians killed by ISIS.” Mohamed Tarbah also reported the targeting of civilians: “A military aircraft bombard

Summary

First published
June 10, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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

May 26, 2015

Incident Code

LC018

LOCATION

ميناء سرت, Port of Sirte, Surt, Libya

One civilian died and up to four others wounded in two alleged LNA airstrikes on an oil tanker off the coast of Sirte, local media reported. The casualties – all crew members, two of whom were hospitalised – reportedly occurred as the tanker was set on fire. According to Japan Times, “The Anwaar Afriqya, a

Summary

First published
May 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
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

May 23, 2015

Incident Code

LC017b

LOCATION

زعفران, Zaafran, Surt, Libya

A father and one or two of his daughters were reported killed as a result of an alleged GNC/Libya Dawn airstrike on Sirte. Most sources claim that a father with his two daughters were killed in an airstrike on their family home. However, some sources reported that only one of his daughters died and they were in

Summary

First published
May 23, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(1–2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
General National Congress (GNC)
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2015

Incident Code

LC017a

LOCATION

السلام, Al Salam, Benghazi, Libya

Between seven and eight people, most of them children were reported killed in an LNA airstrike on the Al Salam neighbourhood of Benghazi. Alwasat News wrote: “Eight people were killed, including seven children, when a rocket hit a residential area in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on Thursday (May 14, 2015), a Reuters reporter

Summary

First published
May 14, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(6–7 children1 man)
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

May 11, 2015

Incident Code

LC017

LOCATION

طبرق, Tobruk, Al Butnan, Libya

According to international and local sources, a Turkish ship was hit by both airstrikes and artillery shelling from the LNA. A deputy captain was reportedly killed in the attack, and another crew member injured. The incident took place 16km off the coast from Tobruk on the way to Derna. Al Jazeera quoted the second captain

Summary

First published
May 11, 2015
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2015

Incident Code

LC016

LOCATION

درنة, Darnah, Libya

One child died in an alleged LNA airstrike on Darnah, according to local media. The Libya Observer reported: “A baby from the Al-Harir family was killed in a dignity operation airstrike in Darnah. The airstrike targeted the Shabia apartment buildings causing extensive damage to Musa Al-Harir’s apartment and destroying cars parked on the street below.”

Summary

First published
May 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
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

April 24, 2015

Incident Code

LQ007a

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

Dawa Alhaq reported a GNC/Libya Dawn airstrike in Sirte likely resulting in civilian harm: “A military aircraft belonging to the ‘Dawn of Libya’ militia, backed by Libya’s brothers who control Tripoli, launched air strikes on Thursday night on sites in the city of Sirte. ‘A Libyan warplane launched several air strikes on the sites of

Summary

First published
April 24, 2015
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
General National Congress (GNC)
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2015

Incident Code

LQ007

LOCATION

الزنتان, Zintan, Airport, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

According to several local sources, GNC/Libya Dawn planes bombed Zintan airport as well as the nearby village of Rujban. Most sources reported material damage, though there was no mention of civilian harm. Zintan Airport spokesperson Omar Maatouk, speaking to Libya Herald, said that the front of the airport building was damaged by the seven shells

Summary

First published
April 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
General National Congress (GNC)
View Incident

Incident date

March 29, 2015

Incident Code

LC015a

LOCATION

زوارة, Zuwara, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

Two civilians were reported injured as a result of alleged LNA airstrikes in Zuwara. Abdo Kablan posted on Twitter that LNA planes bombed “Zuwara and Gharyan, thank god there are no dead but two wounded in the city of Zuwara.” Other sources reported LNA airstrikes in the area but no civilian harm.

Summary

First published
March 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2015

Incident Code

LC015

LOCATION

ام الرشراش, Umm Al Rashrash, Marqab, Libya

An LNA airstrike reportedly hit a Libya Dawn camp in Tarhuna. While most sources reported no civilians and only a few Libya Dawn fighters dead, two sources said that eight internally displaced Tawergha were killed in the attack. Middle East Eye quoted a Libya Dawn spokesperson: “Eight Libyan civilians died in the strike. Sadly this

Summary

First published
March 24, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2015

Incident Code

LC014a

LOCATION

العسة, Al Assah, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

On Saturday, March 14, 2015, one man named Alaa Belkhair was reported killed and six people were injured in an alleged Libyan National Army airstrike on Al Assah near Zuwara, northwestern Libya. Zuwara News wrote on Facebook that “an aeroplane just hit the Al-Assah area and resulted in the death of one man from Misurata

Summary

First published
March 14, 2015
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6
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
Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2015

Incident Code

LC014

LOCATION

درنة‎: شيحة, Shiha, Darnah, Libya

Various sources reported that Egyptian airstrikes hit two locations in East Derna. One strike hit the Bab Shiha neighbourhood, another one the former headquarters of the Jabal al-Akhdar Industrial Company. Local and international sources reported that seven civilians were killed, including three or four children and a woman – plus up to 50 members of

Summary

First published
February 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
17–21
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
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 14, 2015

Incident Code

LQ006

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, port, Benghazi, Libya

Various sources reported that the LNA warplane attacked a trawler allegedly loaded with gasoline outside Benghazi. There were no reports of civilian harm. According to Sky News, a military official said that a Libyan aircraft belonging to the internationally recognised government (HoR) attacked a fishing boat carrying a shipment of gasoline to the port of

Summary

First published
January 14, 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

January 5, 2015

Incident Code

LC013

LOCATION

درنة‎: ميناء درنه, Derna Port, Darnah, Libya

GNC planes allegedly bombed a Greek oil tanker killing a Greek engine cadet and a Romanian seaman on board, according to local media. Two Filipinos aboard were injured according to The Telegraph. Shorouk News reported a third person had been wounded. The Telegraph provided significant details on the event, reporting that a 29-year old Greek engine

Summary

First published
January 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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, General National Congress (GNC)
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2015

Incident Code

LC012

LOCATION

ميناء السدرة, Port Sidra, Surt, Libya

Alwasat reported armed clashes around the port of Sidra between fighters guarding the oil ports and the LNA which were accompanied by three LNA airstrikes. Alfakhiri claimed on Twitter that two children were killed in the attack but didn’t add further details.

Summary

First published
January 3, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2015

Incident Code

LC011

LOCATION

مصراتة: مصراتة ميناء, Misurata Port, Misrata, Libya

According to various sources, LNA jets struck different positions in Misurata’s port, resulting in the injury of two civilians – reportedly employees at the port. Al Jazeera reported: The forces of the retired Libyan brigade General, Khalifa Haftar, announced responsibility for air strikes on the western port of Misurata on Saturday claiming that it was

Summary

First published
January 3, 2015
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
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2014

Incident Code

LC010

LOCATION

بن جواد, Bin Jawad, Surt, Libya

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

Summary

First published
December 28, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
General National Congress (GNC)
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2014

Incident Code

LC009

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

A single source, Libya in Heart, reported that “nearly 20 people” died in alleged LNA airstrike in Sirte but did not specify if they were civilians. According to the source, Nearly 20 people were killed in the bombing of the Sirte air force in Libya. Eyewitnesses confirmed that ambulances were being heard heavily. After further

Summary

First published
December 20, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2014

Incident Code

LQ005

LOCATION

ابوكماش, Abu Kammash, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

Local media reported an airstrike in Abu Kammash without naming the belligerent. There were no reports of civilian harm. According to Hafez Muammar, a plane bombed a citizen’s farm near the residential buildings in Abu Kamash area, without causing casualties or material damage. The sound of the missile explosion terrified the residents of the area,

Summary

First published
December 11, 2014
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

December 3, 2014

Incident Code

LC008

LOCATION

زوارة بورت , Zuwara Port, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

LNA airstrikes reportedly targeted the port area in Zuwara. Most sources claimed there were no civilian casualties, though one report said that seven people were killed and 25 injured – but didn’t specify if they were civilians or combatants. Ean Libya reported that the security official Spokesman (Hafed Muamer) confirmed that no casualties occurred during

Summary

First published
December 3, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 7
Civilians reported injured
0–25
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

December 2, 2014

Incident Code

LC007

LOCATION

زوارة, Zuwara, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

Between three and five civilians died and up to 15 more were wounded in an alleged LNA airstrike on a food supply storage depot in Zuwara. Three or four foreign nationals were reportedly included in the death toll. Fox News provided the most detail on the event, reporting: A Libyan official says airstrikes have hit

Summary

First published
December 2, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
10–15
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, 2014

Incident Code

LC006

LOCATION

طرابلس‎: مطار معيتيقة, Mitiga International Airport, Tarabulus, Libya

As part of a wave of raids on the city (see previous cases) LNA planes reportedly targeted Mitiga airport damaging the building and injuring two civilians – a woman and her daughter. Alwasat provided the most detail on the event, reporting: “A woman and her daughter were injured on Monday evening [Nov 24th] when a warplane

Summary

First published
November 24, 2014
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
View Incident