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

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

Lib2011-070

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

March 24, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-049

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

A mother and her four children were reportedly killed by Gaddafi regime shelling on Misurata. Al Manara TV noted: “Gaddafi forces on Friday continued to bomb Misurata east of Tripoli, killing one woman and her four children while a doctor at the city hospital on Thursday said 109 martyrs and 1,300 were wounded in a

Summary

First published
March 24, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(4 children1 woman)
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 target
Unknown
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

September 1, 2018

Incident Code

LC093

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli, Tarabulus, Libya

Between two and four civilians were reported killed as a result of possible indiscriminate artillery shelling in and around Tripoli. The Tripoli wounded affairs administration posted on Facebook: “Statistics of the victims of the clashes that took place south of Tripoli on Thursday, 20 September 2018 Casualties: 11 deaths (5 civilians, 3 foreign workers, 3

Summary

First published
September 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
Civilians reported injured
0–17
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
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

May 4, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-088

LOCATION

مخيم اللاجئين في قصر أحمد, Refugee Camp in Qasr Ahmed, Misrata, Libya

A family was reportedly killed by Gaddafi regime forces artillery shelling of Misurata. Al Jazeera said at the time: “Libya’s revolutionaries said that yesterday’s bombing of the Gaddafi Brigades targeted the port of Misrata in western Libya, leaving at least five civilians dead, at a time when an official at the International Criminal Court spoke

Summary

First published
May 4, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 7
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
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
5 named, 1 familiy identified
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 5, 2017

Incident Code

LC058

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Libya Alahrar TV reported on Facebook that four children were killed in an airstrike in Ganfouda carried out by the UAE in support of LNA. A two-family house was reportedly hit in the strike. Other sources, such as Morasel Benghazi and bngazy22, also reported the death of four children, some of them quoting the Saraya

Summary

First published
January 5, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
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, United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-046

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

At least four children were reported killed in a possible attack on Misurata by Gaddafi regime forces. RTE wrote that “Forces loyal to Gaddafi are shelling the rebel-held western city of Misrata and casualties include four children killed when the car they were in was hit, Reuters is reporting.” And the BBC noted: “AFP reported

Summary

First published
March 22, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 17
(4–5 children)
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Incident Code

LC063

LOCATION

مدرسة تحرير ليبيا, راس لانوف, Medical Centre, Ras Lanuf, Surt, Libya

Various sources reported LNA airstrikes in Libya’s oil crescent. Strikes in all the major oil ports were mentioned but no further details on the exact locations were given, except for one source which said a raid took place in the Ras Lanuf area. Human Rights Solidarity later said that one strike hit the Ras Lanuf

Summary

First published
March 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3–4 men)
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

Lib2011-071

LOCATION

بئر الغنم, Bi'r al Ghanam, Al Zawiyah, Libya

Four civilians were reported killed in a NATO airstrike on Bi’r al Ghanam near Tripoli. Arab Anger Revolution posted on Facebook that “Earlier, four people were killed in the Bi’r al-Ghanam area, southwest of the capital, after an airstrike by the alliance on civilian and military targets.” NATO did not report airstrikes in the area

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
4
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

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

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