Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
Libya
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

April 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC118

LOCATION

أبو سليم, Abu Salim, Tarabulus, Libya

Between three and six civilians were allegedly killed by indiscriminate LNA artillery shelling on the Abu Salim neighbourhood of Tripoli. The Libya Observer said a Filipino worker was killed by shelling. Field medicine and support center (FMSC) counted three dead and 11 injured. GNA media wrote the shelling “resulted in the death of three women

Summary

First published
April 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(3–4 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
11–26
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

LC050

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Eight prisoners were reported killed following LNA airstrikes on Benghazi. The LNA self-reported airstrikes in the following locations: “A MiG-23ML and a Mig23BN reportedly targeted the vehicles and fighters of alleged terrorist groups while trying to escape from the Qawarsheh area to Qanfouda after the siege on, reportedly leading to their destruction. A MiG-21 reportedly

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

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

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

July 25, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-130

LOCATION

زليتن, Zliten, Marqab, Libya

Between seven and eight civilians were reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Zliten. Antiwar wrote: “A NATO airstrike killed seven people in a hospital in Zlitan, western Libya, on Monday, according to locals and government officials. Medical equipment was visible among the twisted wreckage of the building, the Associated Press reports, after being taken

Summary

First published
July 25, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
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

February 3, 2019

Incident Code

LC102

LOCATION

مرزق, Murzuq, Libya

Between two and seven civilians were reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike near Murzuq. Media Center Sidra wrote: “The remnants of Al-Karama’s [LNA] rockets were given to the Sidra Media Center by residents in the outskirts of the town of Murzuq without some explosions, and the fragments spread over houses and buildings. An airstrike in

Summary

First published
February 3, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
Civilians reported injured
4–20
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 20, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-070

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

Seven civilians were reported killed as a result of indiscriminate shelling on Misurata by Gaddafi forces. Among them were two internationally known photojournalists, Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros. The BBC reported: “Briton Tim Hetherington, 40, is said to have been killed in a rocket-propelled grenade attack. US photographer Chris Hondros, 41, was also killed, and two others,

Summary

First published
April 20, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
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 targets
Libyan rebel forces, Other
Named victims
4 named
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

April 20, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-072

LOCATION

خلة الفرجان, Khallet Al Furjan, Tarabulus, Libya

Seven civilians were reported killed and 18 other injured in Tripoli as a result of NATO bombing. Arab Anger Revolution claimed that “NATO aircraft launched two air raids on the Libyan capital Tripoli on Wednesday evening, killing several people. Government television said seven people were killed and 18 others wounded when four rockets were fired at

Summary

First published
April 20, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
18
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected target
Gaddafi 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

April 24, 2017

Incident Code

LC070

LOCATION

سبها‎, Sabha, Libya

According to several local and international sources, LNA planes bombed a prison run by the Toubou tribe near Sabha, killing up to seven prisoners and wounding as many as nine more. There was disagreement between sources over how many of the victims were prison guards or civilians. Al Jazeera put the death count at “four

Summary

First published
April 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 7
Civilians reported injured
2–70
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

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

April 1, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-057

LOCATION

مرسى البريقة, Brega, Al Wahat, Libya

Between six and seven civilians were reported killed in a NATO airstrike in the outskirts of Brega. The BBC wrote: “A direct hit on an ammunition truck and trailer in a street in Zawia el Argobe sent a hail of shrapnel into nearby houses, [Dr Refardi] said. Four of the dead were female, including three children

Summary

First published
April 1, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(3–4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
25
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
NATO forces
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

May 12, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-091

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli, Tarabulus, Libya

Six possible civilian fatalities were reported in a NATO airstrike on Tripoli at or near one of Gaddafi’s compounds. Al Jazeera reported that “A series of explosions rocked early at dawn today in the center of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, in the vicinity of Bab al-Aziziyah, the headquarters of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, after a raid

Summary

First published
May 12, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 6
Civilians reported injured
0–10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

April 5, 2019

Incident Code

LC105

LOCATION

وادي الهيرة, Wadi al Hira, Al Jafarah, Libya

A family was reported killed in a GNA airstrike on Wadi Al Hira near Aziziyah. DMC news said: “The head of the General Command Information Office of the Libyan National Army, Khalifa al-Obeidi, said that a warplane took off from Misurata airfield bombed a house and killed a family in the Aziziyah region, 45 km

Summary

First published
April 5, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 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
Government of National Accord
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2018

Incident Code

LC077

LOCATION

سبها‎, Sabha, Libya

At least six civilians were killed in Sabha during fighting between rival armed groups, Reuters reported. Reuters reported that LNA and rival groups fought in the vicinity of Sabha, leading to the deaths of at least six civilians. 

Summary

First published
February 28, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2019

Incident Code

LC140

LOCATION

الملجأ, Almalja, Tarabulus, Libya

Up to six civilians were reported killed by indiscriminate shelling on Qasr Bin Gashir, likely conducted by the GNA. The General Command of the Libyan Armed Forces showed the image of an injured child. Qasr Bin Gashir Official reported the death of Ahmed al-Mazougi. Qalam Rasas said: “The death toll has risen to 6, including

Summary

First published
May 14, 2019
Last updated
April 21, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
7
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
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-128

LOCATION

مرسى البريقة, Brega, Al Wahat, Libya

Six guards at a concrete pipe factory were reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Brega. No further details about the guards were provided, although multiple sources mentioned that three missiles struck the facility. Reuters reported: “Six guards were killed in an air strike on Friday on a pipeline factory just south of the eastern

Summary

First published
July 22, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(6 men)
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.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2019

Incident Code

LC186

LOCATION

الاصابعة, Asabi'ah, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Between four and six civilians allegedly died as a result of a Turkish or GNA airstrike on Gheryan. Afrigate reported: “Turkish air strikes brought by the Wefaq government bombed Al Asabi’a  on Tuesday, the Karama [LNA] Operations Room said. The chamber added that the bombing resulted in the martyrdom of four civil servants who were

Summary

First published
August 27, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, Turkish Military
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

March 11, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-031

LOCATION

مرسى البريقة, Brega, Surt, Libya

A single source reported on Twitter that six civilians were killed in an airstrike by the Gaddafi regime on Brega. Aban Idris said: “News of the martyrdom of 6 by aerial bombardment of Brega.” Al Jazeera and France24 also reported airstrikes, but it is unclear if these were in the direct vicinity of Brega.

Summary

First published
March 11, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected targets
Libyan rebel forces, Unknown
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

April 12, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-067

LOCATION

ككلة‎, Kikla, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

A single source reported that civilians were killed in a NATO airstrike on Kikla. According to Rassd News: “Monitoring Libyan TV: NATO air raid on the town of ‘Kikla’ south of Tripoli, killing civilians and policemen.” NATO did not report any airstrikes near Kikla on that day. There is currently no further known information for

Summary

First published
April 12, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected targets
Gaddafi forces, Other
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2019

Incident Code

LC172

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli: Airport road, Tarabulus, Libya

Between four and five civilians were allegedly killed in an LNA airstrike on a hospital in the south of Tripoli. Al Wasat and 218 TV said four people were killed and named the victims. Al Jazeera wrote: “An air attack by forces loyal to renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar near the Libyan capital killed five

Summary

First published
July 27, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(4–5 men)
Civilians reported injured
7–8
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.
Known belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
5 named
Belligerents reported killed
8
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

LC073

LOCATION

فندق الواحات, Al Wahat Hotel, Al Jufrah, Libya

Local sources reported between four and 13 airstrikes on alleged Al Qaeda members in Hun. It remains unclear if civilians were among the dead.  Libya Observer wrote that fighters rescued civilians from the rubble of the collapsed Al-Wahat hotel. It reported that five people died but didn’t specify if those were civilians or combatants. Other

Summary

First published
May 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

April 10, 2019

Incident Code

LC108

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

Various sources reported civilians were killed and wounded when a house was hit by a GNA airstrike on Qasr Bin Gashir. War Information Division said that an aircraft launched from Misurata struck the Milad Al Shamam family home. Sky News Arabia wrote: “Libyan National Army: Dead and wounded civilians in aerial bombardment of militias targeting

Summary

First published
April 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
Civilians reported injured
2–5
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
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

June 2, 2014

Incident Code

LC003a

LOCATION

معمل أسمنت بنغازي, Benghazi Cement Factory, Benghazi, Libya

Between one and five civilians were reported killed in an alleged LNA airstrike on the cement factory in Benghazi. Almasry Alyoum wrote: An Egyptian worker named, 35-years-old, from the village of Habalsa, a member of the Al Qusiya centre in Assiut, was killed on Monday afternoon in a bombing of a cement factory in Benghazi,

Summary

First published
June 2, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1 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
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
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