Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

LC187

Incident date

August 27, 2019

Location

العزيزية‎, Aziziya, Jafara, Libya

Geolocation

32.531577, 13.020688 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike on Aziziya.

Libya Alahrar TV wrote that one person was injured in the attack.

The Libya Observer said: “Breaking News: A drone belonging to warlord Khalifa Haftar destroys an ambulance for the field hospital in Aziziya region, south Tripoli, killing its driver.”

Hona Souq Al-Khmies reported one dead and one injured.

Tk Yahrouq Kl shy only mentioned damage to the ambulance.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Picture of the ambulance allegedly destroyed in the attack
  • Picture of an alleged victim

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Aziziya (العزيزية‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.531577, 13.020688. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC075

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Location

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Kufra, Libya

Geolocation

23.497265, 22.112335 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two sources reported that the Egyptian Air Force destroyed six vehicles at the border with Egypt in the Kufra district. One of them claimed that it had loaded weapons and ammunition while another claimed it was a civilian car coming back from a fishing trip.

Mansoura Today reported, for example, that “Yesterday, the air force destroyed six-wheel-drive vehicles loaded with ammunition and weapons as it penetrated our western border.”

But Libya Today TV instead claimed that “An unknown warplane bombarded a civilian vehicle near Kufra during a fishing trip.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Libyan-Egyptian border of the Al Kufra (الكفرة) subdistrict. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Kufra are: 23.497265, 22.112335.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Libyan-Egyptian border of the Al Kufra (الكفرة) subdistrict.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Egyptian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Egyptian Military
  • Egyptian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-055

Incident date

March 30, 2011

Location

خوروم, Khorum, Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Geolocation

32.169687, 13.019377 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A toddler, the 18-months old Sirajuddin al-Sweisi, was reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Brega.

The Boston News wrote: “Nizha Abdel-Salam and her family say her 18-month old son Sirajuddin al-Sweisi was killed when debris pierced the wall of their home as NATO airstrikes hit an ammunition [dump] near their village of Khorum early Tuesday morning.
‘The house shook and there was so much dust everywhere we couldn’t see in front of us,’ she said.

“The family’s account of the child’s death could not be independently confirmed. The Libyan government says more than 100 people have been killed by airstrikes since the international campaign began on March 19. It says the number includes civilians and military personnel, but it has not provided a breakdown.”

In addition, it was mentioned that “some neighbors said there were injuries, but the only death in the town was young al-Sweisi.”

Various sources on social media also reported the death of the infant.

The incident occured at approximately 6:00 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Sirajuddin al-Sweisi
1 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 attacker
    NATO forces
  • Suspected target
    Gaddafi forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Khorum (خوروم), allegedly located within the vicinity of Gheryan (غريان). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Gheryan are: 32.169687, 13.019377.

NATO forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    NATO forces
  • NATO forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 attacker
    NATO forces
  • Suspected target
    Gaddafi forces

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC136

Incident date

May 8, 2019

Location

جسر الزهراء, Al Zahra Bridge, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.676671, 13.055878 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man was reportedly killed by an LNA airstrike on Janzur.

Tk Yahrog Kl Shy 2 posted on Facebook: “In the morning the families returns to the area of Al-Zahra bridge safely. They were hit by a bombardment by Al-Karama forces and four rockets landed on the houses and farms of the Al-Marbouk family. The damage was material and the family was safe. As for the case that hit a civilian above the Al-Zahra bridge of the family of Masoud Ghawar moved to the mercy of God.”

Other sources only reported only material damage to the house of the Marbouk family.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Pictures of the aftermath
  • Another picture of the incident

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of the Al Zahra bridge (جسر الزهراء) for which the generic coordinates are: 32.676671, 13.055878. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC062

Incident date

March 3, 2017

Location

بنغازي‎, Benghazi: Ganfouda 12 building complex, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.023611, 20.039722 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A woman reportedly died on March 5th after she sustained severe injuries from shrapnel after an airstrike on March 3rd from what was described as a foreign aircraft.

The aircraft hit the 12 Buildings in Ganfouda approximately on March 3rd in support of the LNA campaign.

Alnabaa reported: “On Sunday, one of the women trapped in Ganfouda district, west of Benghazi, was killed by injuries sustained by foreign air strikes, according to a source from the Benghazi rebel council.

The source said the news channel that the woman spent two days injured after being hit by shrapnel from the bombing of foreign aircraft supporting the Karama militia, which targeted the places of refuge of families in the 12 buildings.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the 12 buildings in Benghazi, for which the coordinates are: 32.023611 20.039722. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC018

Incident date

May 26, 2015

Location

ميناء سرت, Port of Sirte, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

31.213611, 16.631111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 tanker carrying 30,000 metric tons of gas oil from Motor Oil Hellas’s refinery in Greece, was attacked while anchored off Sirte in central Libya, Rida Issa, the coast guard chief, said by phone. The airstrike caused a fire on the tanker that was later extinguished, the vessel’s second-in-command, Fakhri Mohammed, said.” The report went on to say that one person died and one was injured in the attack.

Almarsad, Alarabiya and Ajwa made no mention of a fatality but said that between 3-4 civilians were wounded in the fire.

According to a report by Akhbar Masr, “Libyan Air Force Chief of Staff Saqr al-Jaroushi said aircraft attacked the tanker Anwaar Afriqya registered in Libya, off Sirte port, on Sunday as it was unloading weapons.”

A report by Almarsad cited eye witness testimony, explaining that “a worker at the port said the tanker was attacked with a missile fired into the cockpit and crew rooms. ‘Then the aircraft attacked the ship with machine guns,’ he said, adding that there was a danger that the fuel would leak. ‘They attacked (the tanker) after we unloaded the first oil tank and we were preparing to unload the second,’ the worker said.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • A picture shows man, injured followed an alleged LNA airstrike near the port of Sirte (Source: Monitor Benghazi News)
  • Translation: #Sirte Pictures of the African oil tanker that was bombed today off the coast of the city and the crew ... And some information confirms that the air eagles Libyan army bombed the tanker (Source: Ali al-Werfalli)
  • Picture of the burning oil tanker (Source: Ali al-Werfalli)
  • Another picture of the victim (Source: Ali al-Werfalli)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a tanker being struck off the coast of Port of Sirte (ميناء سرت), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.213611, 16.631111. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC130

Incident date

April 28, 2019

Location

سوق الخميس امسيحل, Sog Al Khmies Emsihel, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.526766, 13.223462 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child was allegedly killed in a GNA airstrike on Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel.

Tripoli Operations Room said: “God bless you Nour Ahmad Al-Hibishi – This image of Jannah Ahmad Al-Hibishi her sister healing the injury by bombing of the Ecuadorian pilot mercenary today.”

Tripoli Alaan said: “This girl is one of the victims of the aerial bombardment carried out by the brotherhood militias on a residential area of Sog Al-Khmies and her younger sister died.”

Both sources used a picture previously shown in a different incident.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Nour Ahmad Al-Hibishi
Child female Sister of Jannah Ahmad Al-Hibishi killed
Jannah Ahmad Al-Hibishi
Child female Sister of Nour Ahmad Al-Hibishi injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 attacker
    Government of National Accord

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Sog Al Khmies Emsihel (سوق الخميس امسيحل), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.526766, 13.223462. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 attacker
    Government of National Accord

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC179

Incident date

August 10, 2019

Location

السدادة, As Saddadah, Misurata, Libya

Geolocation

31.467240, 14.626541 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was killed and five more allegedly injured in an LNA airstrike on As Saddadah.

Libya Alahrar TV reported: “One person is killed and 5 others were injured near the great man-made river south of As Saddadah due to the bombing of Hafter Air Force on the administrative headquarters of the company.”

In another article the same outlet said: “According to the source, the shelling targeted an administrative headquarters belonging to the man-made river near the Qardabiya system feeding the cities of the central region with water.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army
  • Belligerents reported killed
    5

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports mention As Saddadah (السدادة) for which  the coordinates are 31.46724, 14.626541. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army
  • Belligerents reported killed
    5

Sources (2) [ collapse]