Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

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
December 15, 2024
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

April 5, 2019

Incident Code

LC105

LOCATION

وادي الهيرة, Wadi al Hira, Al Jafarah, Libya

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

Summary

First published
April 5, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2019

Incident Code

LC140

LOCATION

الملجأ, Almalja, Tarabulus, Libya

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

Summary

First published
May 14, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
7
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

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
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected targets
Libyan rebel forces, Other
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 3, 2014

Incident Code

LC008

LOCATION

زوارة بورت , Zuwara Port, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

LNA airstrikes reportedly targeted the port area in Zuwara. Most sources claimed there were no civilian casualties, though one report said that seven people were killed and 25 injured – but didn’t specify if they were civilians or combatants. Ean Libya reported that the security official Spokesman (Hafed Muamer) confirmed that no casualties occurred during

Summary

First published
December 3, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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 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
December 15, 2024
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

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
December 15, 2024
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
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
17–21
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Egyptian Military
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-057

LOCATION

مرسى البريقة, Brega, Al Wahat, Libya

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

Summary

First published
April 1, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(3–4 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
25
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2019

Incident Code

LC102

LOCATION

مرزق, Murzuq, Libya

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

Summary

First published
February 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 7
Civilians reported injured
4–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2016

Incident Code

LC049

LOCATION

قرضة, Qaradah, Wadi ash Shati, Libya

France allegedly conducted airstrikes in Qaradah north of Sabha which killed Al Qaeda leader Abdul Muneim al-Hasnawi, also known as Abu Talha al-Libi and six other members of the organisation. The mayor of the city, Hassen Matoug, contested the events on Facebook and claimed that up to eight civilians were killed in the attack. He

Summary

First published
November 14, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
French Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 24, 2015

Incident Code

LC015

LOCATION

ام الرشراش, Umm Al Rashrash, Marqab, Libya

An LNA airstrike reportedly hit a Libya Dawn camp in Tarhuna. While most sources reported no civilians and only a few Libya Dawn fighters dead, two sources said that eight internally displaced Tawergha were killed in the attack. Middle East Eye quoted a Libya Dawn spokesperson: “Eight Libyan civilians died in the strike. Sadly this

Summary

First published
March 24, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-130

LOCATION

زليتن, Zliten, Marqab, Libya

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

Summary

First published
July 25, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2016

Incident Code

LC026

LOCATION

الزعفران, Zaafran, Surt, Libya

Two female children and their mother from Hamad Hamed Al-Sayah Hambali were among up to eight victims who died in airstrikes on the area of Zafaran and the power station in Sirte, local media reported. The daughters were named as Isra and Wafaa. According to Mahmoud Mohamed Salem on March 9th, “there were frequent reports of

Summary

First published
March 9, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Suspected target
Other
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2019

Incident Code

LC187a

LOCATION

مرزق, Murzuq, Libya

Between six and eight civilians were allegedly killed in an LNA airstrike on Murzuq. The Libya Observer reported: “The member of Murzuq municipality Mohammed Omar said a warplane for Khalifa Haftar’s forces struck Saturday afternoon Murzuq in southern Libya twice. Omar told the German news agency that between six and eight people had been killed

Summary

First published
August 31, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

May 14, 2015

Incident Code

LC017a

LOCATION

السلام, Al Salam, Benghazi, Libya

Between seven and eight people, most of them children were reported killed in an LNA airstrike on the Al Salam neighbourhood of Benghazi. Alwasat News wrote: “Eight people were killed, including seven children, when a rocket hit a residential area in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on Thursday (May 14, 2015), a Reuters reporter

Summary

First published
May 14, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 8
(6–7 children1 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-120

LOCATION

تاورغاء, Tawergha, Misrata, Libya

A NATO airstrike reportedly killed eight civilians in Tawergha. Press TV reported: “A NATO warplane has targeted a market in the Libyan town of Tawragha, leaving at least eight civilians dead and several others wounded. Some of the injured are in critical condition, Xinhua reported on Wednesday, citing a local news agency. NATO carried out

Summary

First published
June 28, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
(3 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC118

LOCATION

أبو سليم, Abu Salim, Tarabulus, Libya

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

Summary

First published
April 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 8
(3–4 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
11–26
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 15, 2016

Incident Code

LC050

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

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

Summary

First published
November 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-111

LOCATION

بيت علي مخر الغراري, House of Ali Mukhar Al Gharari, Tarabulus, Libya

Between five and nine civilians were reported killed in a NATO airstrike on Tripoli. NATO later acknowledged likely causing civilian harm in the event. Amnesty gave a detailed account of the incident in its Libya investigation: “On 19 June 2011 at about 1.30 am the home of Mukhtar al-Gharari, located in a densely built-up area

Summary

First published
June 19, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(2 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
18
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known targets
Gaddafi forces, Other
Named victims
12 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2016

Incident Code

LC042

LOCATION

مشروع نينا الزّراعي, Ninah Agricultural Project, Al Jufrah, Libya

Seven civilians were reportedly killed in an airstrike in the vicinity of Ninah Agricultural Project near Sokna. Multiple outlets including the Libyan Observer reported seven dead and at least four wounded. Alsdaa Alibya listed six women and one child among the victims, naming them in a Facebook post. The sources claim that the strike came

Summary

First published
September 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 9
(1 child6 women)
Civilians reported injured
3–20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Named victims
10 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2019

Incident Code

LC151

LOCATION

مستشفى القلب تاجوراء, Tajoura Heart Hospital, Tarabulus, Libya

Nine civilians were reported killed by LNA airstrikes on Tajoura, Tripoli, on June 15th. Numerous sources initially cite the injuring of nine civilians in the airstrike, yet later sources, Business Standard and Xinhua, allege the death of nine civilians in the attack. Meanwhile, Athabat news state that nine civilians were wounded, and one killed in

Summary

First published
June 15, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 9
(1 child2 women)
Civilians reported injured
9
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

May 21, 2017

Incident Code

LC072

LOCATION

الجفرة‎, Jufra, Al Jufrah, Libya

Several local sources reported LNA strikes near Jufra air base. One source mentioned two killed GNA fighters. Other sources claimed that 21 fighters belonging to a militia from Benghazi and the Chadian opposition got killed and 30 more got injured. Marwan Dirgash reported that the airstrike led to “many civilian casualties” but didn’t give an

Summary

First published
May 21, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2016

Incident Code

LC035

LOCATION

عمارة شنيب, Shneib building, Darnah, Libya

Between one and 10 civilians died and up to nine more were wounded in alleged LNA airstrikes on residential areas of Derna, local sources said. Arabi 21 put the death toll at one, reporting that “a civilian was killed and eight wounded on Saturday in an air strike on a plane belonging to retired Brigadier General

Summary

First published
July 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 10
Civilians reported injured
8–9
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 23, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-048

LOCATION

الزنتان, Zintan, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Between six and ten civilians were killed and 26 more injured in air and artillery shelling by Gaddafi forces on Zintan, according to Al Jazeera. The news outlet reported: “Six civilians were killed in a bombardment carried out today by the Gaddafi Brigades on the city of Zintan, and the bombing cut off electricity and

Summary

First published
March 23, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 10
Civilians reported injured
26
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2018

Incident Code

LC099

LOCATION

العوينات, Al Uwaynat, Ghat, Libya

Eleven civilians were reported killed as a result of a US airstrike near Al Uwaynat. The event marks the biggest single allegation of civilian harm against the United States in Libya so far. Initial reports had indicated that the US had targeted Al Qaeda members with a precision strike near the town in the south

Summary

First published
November 29, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 11
(11 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Named victims
11 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 11, 2019

Incident Code

LC110

LOCATION

السواني, Al Swani, Tarabulus, Libya

Between one and 12 civilians were allegedly killed by indiscriminate shelling on Al-Swani. Tripoli Now reported: “Indiscriminate shelling of innocent people and their homes in Al-Swani axis, which led to the death of two families. Another family was injured and 12 civilians were killed so far.” Libya Alahrar TV said one civilian was killed in

Summary

First published
April 11, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 12
Civilians reported injured
5–20
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

June 25, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-117

LOCATION

مرسى البريقة, Brega, Al Wahat, Libya

A NATO airstrike on Brega killed 15 civilians, according to Gaddafi regime television. Sky News Australia wrote: “NATO strike in eastern Libya kills 15 – Libyan TV says a NATO air strike in the town of Brega has killed 15 people”. Emirates247 provided a more detailed report: “Libyan state television said a Nato air strike

Summary

First published
June 25, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15
Civilians reported injured
20
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
Known target
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident date

March 23, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-047

LOCATION

كلية الهندسة العسكرية, College of Military Engineering, Tarabulus, Libya

Several civilians were reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Tajoura, east of Tripoli. BBC Arabic said at the time: “Libyan officials early on Thursday took a group of journalists to a hospital in Tripoli to see what they said were 18 charred corpses of soldiers and civilians killed in coalition raids overnight. Western planes bombed

Summary

First published
March 23, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 16
(2 children)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected target
NATO forces
View Incident