All Belligerents in Libya, 2011

Mourners in Majer, Libya in 2011 following a NATO airstrike which killed at least 34 civilians, according to multiple reports. Image courtesy of Sidney Kwiram/ Human Rights Watch

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

Incident date

February 21, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-017

LOCATION

قاعدة فضيل بن عمر الجويه, Benghazi, Libya

On February 21st, 2011, nine burned bodies were found in the Fadeel ben Oumar military base, near Tripoli. The civilians had their hands tied behind their back, suspected to be due to capture by the Gaddafi forces, reported by a UN report. The report states “on 21 February, he had been called to Fadeel ben

Summary

First published
February 21, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-015

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

On February 20th, 2011, between 15 and 18 people were killed by Gaddafi security forces in Benghazi. France24 and Wiki news reported the casualty counts, with Al Jazeera Youtube showing a picture of civilian bodies. France24 reports “some of the security men detained by the protesters were apparently foreign mercenaries. The channel said earlier that

Summary

First published
February 20, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 18
Civilians reported injured
100
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-016

LOCATION

فشلوم و تاجوراء, Fashloum and Tajoura, Tarabulus, Libya

On February 20th and 21st 2011, Gaddafi forces launched artillery and airstrikes on Tripoli, injuring dozens and killing over 200, according to local claims. Agence France Presse quoted witnesses reporting massacres in the neighbourhoods of Fashalom and Tajoura. Other eyewitnesses reported helicopter bombings in the Souq al-Jumaa area. A video showed helicopters over the skies

Summary

First published
February 20, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
150 – 700
Civilians reported injured
12–36
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

February 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-014

LOCATION

نادي الحيا, Nadi Al Hiyat Football Ground, Misrata, Libya

On February 19th, 2011, four protestors were shot by Gaddafi security forces, and between three to five other protestors were injured in Misrata. Amnesty and Wiki News confirmed the casualties. Among the victims were Khaled Abu Shahma, a 42 year old firefighter and father of seven, Ali Hussein al-Dweik, a 43 year old journalist, and

Summary

First published
February 19, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
3–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-013

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

On February 19th, 2011, up to 120 civilians were killed and 100 injured as a result of protests in Benghazi by Gaddafi security forces, who fired live rounds as a result of clashes. Amnesty and Wiki news confirmed the casualties, alongside two mentions in the UN commission report. Wiki news reports “Thousands of people went

Summary

First published
February 19, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 120
Civilians reported injured
100
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-012

LOCATION

البيضان, Al Bayda, Al Wahat, Libya

On February 18th, 2011, at least 14 people were killed and dozens were wounded in, as reported by the French Press Agency. Two members of the security forces were also reported hanged. Wiki news reports “At least 14 people were killed and dozens wounded in the demonstrations. The French Press Agency also reported that the

Summary

First published
February 18, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-011

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

On February 18th, 2011, between 20 and 37 protestors were shot dead and between 20 to 30 injured as a result of protests in Benghazi. DW news confirmed the injuries and wounded, alongside a UN report confirming more wounded. al-Arabiya reports “Urgent: The death toll from the confrontations in Libya has risen to 27, twenty

Summary

First published
February 18, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 37
Civilians reported injured
20–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-010

LOCATION

البيضان, Al Bayda, Al Wahat, Libya

On February 18th, 2011, 35 protestors were shot dead in al-Bayda, reported by multiple sources. Al-Jazeera reports “In Al-Bayda, near Benghazi, human rights organizations and opposition websites reported at least 14 dead, while other sources told Al-Jazeera Net of 35 dead.”  

Summary

First published
February 18, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
14 – 35
Civilians reported injured
24–36
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 18, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-009

LOCATION

قرب قاعدة حسين الجويفل في الشحات, Near Hussein Al Jaweifi Military Base, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Libya

On February 18th, 2011, Amnesty International reported that two civilians were reported killed at the protests in the Hussein al-Jaweifi military base in Shahat, from soldiers who fired at the protestors. Ruqayya al-Mabrok al-Hassi, an 11 year old girl, was killed as a result of a stray bullet. Amnesty quotes “A bullet fired from the

Summary

First published
February 18, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-008

LOCATION

الزنتان, Zintan, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

On February 17th, 2011, Wiki news reported the death of a single demonstrator due to a confrontation with the Gaddafi security forces in Zintan. No other casualties were reported.

Summary

First published
February 17, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-007

LOCATION

اجدابيا, Ajdabiya, Al Wahat, Libya

On February 17th, 2011, between four and ten people were killed as a result of clashes between demonstrators and Gaddafi Revolutionary Guards in Ajdabiya. Both Wiki news and Al Jazeera confirmed the deaths. A student was reported among the dead as well. Al Jazeera reports “journalist Mansour Ati told Al-Jazeera Net that four people were

Summary

First published
February 17, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-006

LOCATION

درنة‎, Derna, Darnah, Libya

On February 17th 2011, between three and six protestors were shot dead by Gaddafi security forces in Derna, with between 15 and 25 additionally wounded, as reported by Al Jazeera and Wiki News. Al Jazeera reports “Large numbers of demonstrators also went out today in the city of Derna, east of Benghazi, interspersed with burning

Summary

First published
February 17, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
Civilians reported injured
15–25
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-005

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

On February 17th, multiple sources reported at least 13 and as many as 20 civilian fatalities and up to 200 more injured by Gaddafi security forces in Benghazi, who were said to have fired live rounds on Gamal Abdel Nasser Street. Al Jazeera reports “there were reports of six deaths in the Benghazi confrontations, where

Summary

First published
February 17, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
13 – 20
Civilians reported injured
40–200
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
13 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-004

LOCATION

البيضان, Bayda, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Libya

On February 17th, 2011, between 5:30pm and 6:00pm local time, the deaths of between three and 14 civilians were reported killed by Gaddafi forces in Bayda. Ibm tweeted, quoting Al Jazeera: “Three demonstrators were killed and four wounded by Libyan security bullets in Al-Bayda city, east of Benghazi.” @monakareem said: “Security forces kill 4 more

Summary

First published
February 17, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 14
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
4–50
Cause of injury / death
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
Other
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-003

LOCATION

شارع العروبة, Al Orouba Street, Al Bayda, Libya

Seven civilian were allegedly killed and one more injured by Gaddafi forces during protests in Al Bayda. Al Jazera said: “The number of martyrs in Al-Bayda, east of Benghazi, increased to 7, and the security forces injured a 13-year-old child in the leg with rubber bullets.” Amnesty International wrote: “In al-Bayda, a protester and a

Summary

First published
February 15, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
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
Other
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-002

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

On February 16th, between 6:30 and 7:45 PM local time, multiple sources reported one death and multiple injuries in Benghazi after the breakup by security forces of a sit-in. The reported death was of Khaled al-Naji ‘Abderrazeq Khanfar, a 22 year old student who was shot by Gaddafi security forces. Amnesty quotes the father of

Summary

First published
February 15, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
14–38
Cause of injury / death
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
Other
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-001

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

In one of the first mass casualty events of the 2011 Libya uprising,  Amnesty International reported 59 civilians injured on February 15th as a result of demonstrations in Benghazi against Gaddafi forces. The demonstrations lasted until the end of February 16th. Amnesty International stated that “protesters [were] reportedly assaulted by members of the police, riot

Summary

First published
February 15, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
59
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Other
View Incident