Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

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

Incident date

September 2, 2018

Incident Code

LC087

LOCATION

الفلاح, Al Falah, Tarabulus, Libya

Between two and four people were reported killed because of artillery shelling on a refugee camp in Tripoli. Libya Alaan said that “two were killed and five wounded on Sunday after a shell fell on the Tawergha camp.” Alkhal Altawerghi named the victims as Abu Bakr Mohammed Masoud Al Zamirli and his brother Khaled. Libya’s

Summary

First published
September 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–15
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
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2019

Incident Code

LC168

LOCATION

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

Up to four civilians were reportedly killed in a GNA airstrike on Asabi’ah. Al Mashhad said that the bombing left civilian casualties and that according to their source three people were killed. 218TV reported: “The media center of the LNA Operations Room confirmed that the rockets launched by terrorist groups on a residential neighborhood in

Summary

First published
July 19, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Belligerents reported killed
0–7
Belligerents reported injured
8
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2017

Incident Code

LC061

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Several sources reported a UAE airstrike in Ganfouda which allegedly killed Omer Ishkal, a former officer of the Gaddafi regime as well as two foreign workers and a child. Iskhal’s status as a combatant is not clear as he was once imprisoned by the Shura Council, then set free, but also sought-after as he refused

Summary

First published
February 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1–3 men)
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
1 named
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
December 15, 2024
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

July 22, 2019

Incident Code

LC169

LOCATION

مدرسة المرازيق, Outside of Al Marazeeq school, Tarabulus, Libya

Four civilians were reportedly killed in Qasr Bin Gashir when a GNA airstrike hit their car. Address Libya wrote: “A military plane belonging to the Misurata Air Force College on Monday bombed a civilian car in Al Marazeeq area south of Qasr Ben Gashir, killing one of them. According to eyewitnesses, the car was carrying

Summary

First published
July 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
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
Government of National Accord
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2018

Incident Code

LC096

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli: Airport road, Tarabulus, Libya

Four civilians, all of them from the Bin Zakri family, were reported killed because of if indiscriminate artillery shelling on their house near the Airport road in Tripoli. Dr Suad Diab, a well-known doctor from Tripoli, her husband Ali Eltaher Bin Zakri and their two children Mohammed Ali Bin Zakri and Riham Ali Ben Zakri

Summary

First published
September 23, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
7th Brigade
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 14, 2019

Incident Code

LC115

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

Between three and four civilians were reportedly killed in a GNA airstrike on Qasr Bin Gashir. Oil Crescent News wrote: “A plane from the Misurata Air College led by a mercenary bombed the Al Dhawahi Al Ahliyya company, leaving three Sudanese workers dead and three injured employees who were present in the building.” The LNA

Summary

First published
April 14, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
Civilians reported injured
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
Government of National Accord
View Incident

Incident date

April 2, 2019

Incident Code

LC104

LOCATION

جبل العوينات, Jebel Uweinat, Al Kufrah, Libya

Four civilians were reported killed in an airstrike on Jebel Uweinat by an unknown belligerent. While the majority of sources said those killed were combatants, the Libya Observer said they were civilians. It said: “On another level, spokesperson of warlord Khalifa Haftar’s self-styled army, Ahmed Al-Mismari denied that the bombing was coordinated with their forces,

Summary

First published
April 2, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 4
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

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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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

April 26, 2019

Incident Code

LC127

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli: Airport road, Tarabulus, Libya

Five civilians were reported killed in an LNA airstrike on Tripoli. Gahida Altwati tweeted that they were five young people from Janzur killed near the Airport road. She also provided their names. There is no additional information available at the moment.

Summary

First published
April 26, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Named victims
5 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
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 5
Civilians reported injured
10–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
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