Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident date

May 15, 2018

Incident Code

LC080

LOCATION

الكفرة, Kufra, Al Kufrah, Libya

Three Eritrean citizens were reportedly killed in an airstrike in Kufra city and eight more Eritrean asylum seekers wounded in an airstrike in Kufra city near Abdulmalik mountain close to the Egyptian border, according to Vincent Cochetel, Special Envoy of the UNHCR for the Central Mediterranean situation. Jamal Adel said on Twitter the strike was

Summary

First published
May 15, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
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.
Suspected belligerent
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-073

LOCATION

باب العزيزية, Bab Al Azizia, Tarabulus, Libya

Three civilians were reported killed in a NATO airstrike near Tripoli. Breaking News posted on Twitter: “Libya update: 3 die when NATO airstrike hits parking lot at Gadhafi compound in Tripoli – Govt. spokesman via Reuters.” Other sources published similar news, referring back to the government spokesperson. The Huffington post reported that the area was

Summary

First published
April 22, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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

July 30, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-131

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli, Tarabulus, Libya

Three journalists were reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Tripoli. SBS News tweeted: “Three journalists have reportedly been killed in a NATO air strike while on state television in Libya.” Uruknet wrote: “Libya says three journalists have been killed in a NATO air strike on state television, and that the murder of the rebels’

Summary

First published
July 30, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
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
December 15, 2024
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

March 6, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-030

LOCATION

راس لانوف‎ , Ras Lanuf, Surt, Libya

Three people were reported dead in a Gaddafi regime airstrike on Ras Lanuf. The source was not clear on whether they were civilians or combatants. Al Jazeera posted on Twitter: “Three dead in an air strike on Ras Lanuf” The Hundi, however, reported no casualties from the strike: “Forces loyal to Muammar Qadhafi have launched

Summary

First published
March 6, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

June 22, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-116

LOCATION

الدفنية, Dafiniyah, Misrata, Libya

Up to four civilians were reported killed by Gaddafi regime forces artillery shelling on Misurata. Al Jazeera reported: “On the Misurata front, Reuters reported that three people were killed and 12 wounded in an artillery bombardment by Gaddafi forces on the Dafiniyah area. More rockets fell on Wednesday in a suburb close to the port,

Summary

First published
June 22, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
Civilians reported injured
4–12
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.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Incident Code

LC079

LOCATION

سبها‎, Sabha, Libya

Three civilians were killed and at least 10 more wounded by shrapnel resulting from LNA fighting a Tebu militia in Sebha, according to local reports. Fezzan Libya, citing the Sebha Medical Centre, reported that 3 people were killed – including one child – and 12 were injured – including 3 children – as a result of

Summary

First published
March 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
10–12
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

May 29, 2019

Incident Code

LC147

LOCATION

غريان, Gheryan, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Civilians were reportedly killed in Gheryan by a GNA airstrike, according to a single source. Al Ain News tweeted: “The Libyan Army: Civilian casualties in the bombing of the militias of Misurata on Gharyan and Harouna.” Other sources only reported GNA airstrikes but no civilian harm.

Summary

First published
May 29, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
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
December 15, 2024
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 12, 2019

Incident Code

LC138

LOCATION

ناصر, Naser, Al Zawiyah, Libya

Up to three civilians were allegedly killed in an airstrike on Naser. Different sources accused the LNA, UAE or Egypt. Ibrahim Kasuda said: “The UAE assault plane targets a citizen’s car in the village of Naser in the south of Zawiya, killing all in the car and the supporters of Haftar describe it as an

Summary

First published
May 12, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
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, Unknown, Egyptian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2019

Incident Code

LC170

LOCATION

سوق الجمعة , Souq Al Jumaa, Tarabulus, Libya

Up to three children were allegedly killed because of indiscriminate shelling on the Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood of Tripoli. The Libya Observer initially reported no civilian harm: “At least three mortar shells landed on civilian houses near the international airport of Tripoli, without reports of human casualties so far.” Hona Souq Al-Khmies Emsihel said three

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
3
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, Libyan National Army
Named victims
5 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 28, 2018

Incident Code

LC084a

LOCATION

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tarabulus, Libya

Three civilians, a woman and her two sons, were killed as the result of artillery shelling on Wadi al Rabie in Tajoura, according to Human Rights Watch. The NGO reported: “On August 28, a mortar shell landed on a house in Wadi Al-Rabie, killing a woman and her two sons, aged 6 and 10, according

Summary

First published
August 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
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

May 13, 2019

Incident Code

LC139

LOCATION

الزاوية‎, Zawiya, Al Zawiyah, Libya

Civilians were reported killed and injured in an LNA airstrike on Zawiya. Riyadh Burshan said that there were “reports of civilian casualties and injuries” because of “Aerial bombardment of the town of Zawiya” but did not specify how many. Other sources only reported LNA bombarment and showed pictures of damaged buildings and cars. Most of

Summary

First published
May 13, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
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
December 15, 2024
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

July 9, 2019

Incident Code

LC162

LOCATION

وادي تغسات, Wadi Tgessat, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Five civilians were reportedly injured because of LNA bombing in Gheryan. Almanara and February TV both reported: “Five civilians lightly injured in the bombing of Haftar militia planes on the Police institute.” Hona Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel only reported LNA bombing but did not mention civilian harm. Tarhuna 24 said there were a “number of dead”

Summary

First published
July 9, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
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
Libyan National Army
Belligerents reported killed
0–3
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2019

Incident Code

LC189a

LOCATION

سوق الخميس امسيحل, Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel, Tarabulus, Libya

Three civilians were allegedly killed in a GNA or Turkish airstrike on Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel. Libya’s Channel reported: “Al-Karama [LNA] Media Center said that a Turkish drone, led by Turks, bombed an ambulance at 3:00 am, which led to the death of medic Hatem Al-Mezdawi and other paramedics.” In Udtun Udna and Address Libya published

Summary

First published
September 6, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 2018

Incident Code

LC083

LOCATION

عيادة رأس لانوف, Ras Lanuf: Clinic, Surt, Libya

Several civilians were reported dead and injured as a result of an LNA airstrike on the residential house of the Kalki family in Ras Lanuf. According to Alnabaa, two children were killed and their mother, father and brother injured. Kaiser Megrahi reported two women dead and posted images of the airstrike. Libya Observer reported three

Summary

First published
June 16, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
Civilians reported injured
1–3
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 belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

April 12, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-068

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

Three civilians were reported killed and one injured as a result of Gaddafi forces shelling on Misurata. An ITN report showed people mourning the loss of “two brothers” due to indiscriminate shelling. Later, two injured children are shown in the film, of which one was said to have died at the hospital. There are currently

Summary

First published
April 12, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected targets
Libyan rebel forces, Other
View Incident

Incident date

July 27, 2019

Incident Code

LC173

LOCATION

الهضبة البدري, Al Hadaba Al Badri, Tarabulus, Libya

Between two and three civilians were reported killed resulting from indiscriminate artillery shelling on the Al Hadba Al Badri neighbourhood of Tripoli. The Libya Observer reported: “The National Safety Authority says two people died as a result of a shell falling on their home in Al Hadaba Al Badri area south of Tripoli.” Libya Al

Summary

First published
July 27, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
(2 children1 man)
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, Libyan National Army
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2018

Incident Code

LC092

LOCATION

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tarabulus, Libya

Three civilians were reported killed in Tajoura because of indiscriminate artillery shelling. Wagak Original said on Twitter that three initially unidentified bodies were found in the Al Khala area and sent to the Tripoli Medical Hospital. They were then “identified as Khairi Bizik and his brother Karim Bizik and Hamza Goma.” The source added that

Summary

First published
September 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
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
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 6, 2018

Incident Code

LC082

LOCATION

شميخ, Shumaykh, Misrata, Libya

AFRICOM reported that it conducted a precision strike on ISIS near Bani Walid. While the US itself said that 4 members of the organisation were killed in the attack, including senior member Abdul-Ati Eshtewi, on a vehicle, local sources reported that three of the people in the car were actually civilians. Alrseefa reported: “Reconciliation in Tripoli

Summary

First published
June 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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 belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

LC066

LOCATION

درنة الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Darnah, Libya

An LNA airplane conducted strikes in Al-Fatayih, according to various sources. Libya Al Mostakbal reported there were no human casualties but a herd of sheep got hit and some of the animals were killed. Several sources claimed that the plane later crashed over Tobruk into the Tersha neighbourhood, which led to the death of the

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 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
View Incident

Incident date

August 24, 2019

Incident Code

LC185

LOCATION

سوق الكريمية الاستثماري, Vicinity of Al Keramia Market, Tarabulus, Libya

Between three and four civilians were allegedly killed in an LNA or UAE airstrike on Al-Swani. The Libya Observer tweeted: “Military Source: An airstrike carried out by UAE-backed Haftar’s air force militia destroys a civilian’s car killing three family members fleeing the fighting in Swani region, south Tripoli.” Hona Souq Al-Khmies also put the death

Summary

First published
August 24, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
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 belligerents
Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military
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
December 15, 2024
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

March 2, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-026

LOCATION

البريقة, Brega, Al Wahat, Libya

Four civilians were reported killed and ten more wounded in an airstrike by the Gaddafi regime in Brega. Only one source, Naji Alive, reported civilians casualties, via Twitter: “Four killed and 10 injured in airstrikes targeting Brega city west of Benghazi.” Other sources, such as NPR, only reported airstrikes by the regime: “‘Huge plumes of

Summary

First published
March 2, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
10
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

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
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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

August 11, 2013

Incident Code

LC001

LOCATION

الظهي, Al Dahir, Surt, Libya

Wissam Salem reported on Twitter that four people were killed and 15 more injured in an airstrike near Sirte. Salem didn’t elaborate if the victims were civilians or combattants. However, other sources claimed that the casualties resulted either from a car bomb or mortars. Wady Dynar reported that the explosions heard in Al Dahir in

Summary

First published
August 11, 2013
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 13, 2019

Incident Code

LC113

LOCATION

السواني, Al Swani, Tarabulus, Libya

Four civilians were reportedly killed by indiscriminate artillery shelling on Al Swani. Riyadh Burshan said that “on Saturday that 4 civilians were killed after being hit by shrapnel from indiscriminate shelling.” Arraed news published a similar report. Local reports indicate that shelling from both GNA and LNA occurred in the area.

Summary

First published
April 13, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army
View Incident