Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

LC300

Incident date

February 21, 2020

Location

الاصفاح, Al Asfah, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.721907, 13.113137 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians from one family were allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Al-Swani.

The Field Medicine and Support Centre reported: “As part of its humanitarian mission, the emergency and ambulance team at Suwani Field Hospital affiliated to the Center for Field Medicine and Support Friday night, corresponding to 2/21/2020, assisted citizens after targeting with a random shell in the Asfah area in Al-Swani, which resulted in the injury of a woman and both of the following:

Riyad Adel Al-Safah, 15 years old

Asem Shaaban Al-Safah, 20 years

It also caused several material damage, and the cases were transferred to Al-Ghout Al-Shaal clinic to complete their treatment.”

Libya Alahrar TV, the Libya Observer and the Burkan Al Ghadab operation also reported three injured and claimed the LNA was responsible.

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

15 years old male injured
20 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victim allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Al-Swani on February 21st, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Victim allegedly injured by LNA shelling on Al-Swani on February 21st, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)
  • Building allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Al-Swani on February 21st, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)
  • Building allegedly damaged by LNA shelling on Al-Swani on February 21st, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Asfah (الاصفاح), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.721907, 13.113137. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Asfah (الاصفاح).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Libyan National Army Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC332

Incident date

April 1, 2020

Location

مسجد الصفاء, Al Safa Mosque, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.828524, 13.16314 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were allegedly killed and one more injured by LNA shelling on Tripoli.

The Field Medicine and Support Center reported that it assisted three people of which two died after “they were targeted by indiscriminate shells in the airport road area behind Repsol Company.”

Tk Yahroug Kl shy said: “Two people were killed and another person was wounded when a shell landed near the Al-Safa Mosque in the project area.”

The Libya Observer wrote: “Two people were killed and another person was injured when Haftar’s militias showered neighborhoods in the Airport Road, south of Tripoli with rockets on Wednesday night, the Field Medicine and Support Center has confirmed.”

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

35 years old male killed
27 years old male killed
39 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of a victim of LNA shelling on Tripoli on April 1st, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Body of a victim of LNA shelling on Tripoli on April 1st, 2020 (via FMSC)
  • Body of a victim of LNA shelling on Tripoli on April 1st, 2020 (via FMSC)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Al Safa Mosque (مسجد الصفاء) for which the generic coordinates are: 32.828524, 13.16314. 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 status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC362

Incident date

April 22, 2020

Location

سوق الجمعة , Souq Al Jumaa, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.881854, 13.256303 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unknown number of civilians was reportedly killed and 11 civilians were injured in alleged LNA artillery attacks on several areas in Souq Al Jumaa in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020, according to local sources.

Souq Al Khamis initially reported that the shelling wounded two civilians, one critically. Later, it reported civilian fatalities but did not specify how many civilians were killed, adding that residential neighbourhoods were targeted.

The Field Medicine and Support Center reported the names of seven injured civilians, including a 3-year-old child, who were reportedly wounded in the area of Arada in Souq Al Jumaa.

The FMSC also reported that Habib Saeed Al-Qailushi (55 ) and Murad Ahmed Barion (30) had been injured, but did not provide further details. Qnat Qmattly Alfys Albwk wrote on Facebook that Al Qailushi had been injured in random shelling of his car in the Souq Al Jumaa area, seriously injuring him in the stomach area and leading to the amputation of his hand. The source added that Al Qailushi was travelling with his son-in-law, who lost an eye. The name of the son-in-law was not reported, but it’s possible that this is Murad Ahmed Barion.

Libya Al Ahrar wrote that “a number of civilians were injured as a result of several rockets fired by the Haftar militias intensively in different districts of Tripoli today, Wednesday [April 22nd].” Al Amin Al Hashimi, media advisor to the Ministry of Health, stated that “four civilians, including a child and an African worker, were injured as a result of Haftar militia’s shells that landed on Shurfat Al Malaha.”

Libya Al Ahrar added that several houses in the area had been damaged in the shelling. February TV Breaking News mentioned the use of grad rockets.

Nearly all sources blamed the LNA for the shelling.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Family members (2)

55 years old male amputation of his hand and a serious injury to the stomach injured
30 years old male lost an eye, possibly son-in-law of Habib Al-Qailushi injured

The victims were named as:

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    11
  • 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
    Libyan National Army
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (15) [ collapse]

  • Damaged building after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via Souq Al Khamis).
  • Destruction after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via Souq Al Khamis).
  • Destroyed roof after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via Souq Al Khamis).
  • Damaged building after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via Souq Al Khamis).
  • Rubble after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via Souq Al Khamis).
  • Rubble in a damaged building after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via Souq Al Khamis).
  • Inside a damaged residential home after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via Souq Al Khamis).
  • Aftermath of alleged LNA rocket attacks on Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via Libya Al Ahrar).
  • Damaged building after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via Libya Al Ahrar).
  • Rubble after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via Libya Al Ahrar).
  • Woman holding a child who is receiving medical help after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Arada neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Wounded civilian receiving medical help after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Arada neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Civilians were injured in alleged LNA rocket attacks on Arada neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Wounded man in the hospital after alleged LNA rocket attacks on Arada neighbourhood in Tripoli on April 22nd, 2020 (via FMSC).

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Souq Al Jumaa (سوق الجمعة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.881854, 13.256303. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Souq Al Jumaa (سوق الجمعة).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Libyan National Army Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    11
  • 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
    Libyan National Army
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC389

Incident date

May 11, 2020

Location

بوقرين, Abugrein, Misurata, Libya

Geolocation

31.445278, 15.25443 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An unknown number of civilians died in alleged airstrikes by a UAE aircraft on two civilian cars near Abugrein on May 11th, 2020, according to Libya Al Ahrar.

Libya Al Ahrar reported that, according to the Brigadier General of Sirte Al Jafra Operations Abdul Hadi Dara, “civilians were martyred as a result of the targeting by Emirati aircraft of two civilian cars in Abugrein.”

Tk Yahrouq Kl shy wrote on Facebook that “a drone bombed Al Heisha Al Jadida (Abugrein)”, but did not report the belligerent or civilian harm.

Currently, further information is unavailable to Airwars.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    United Arab Emirates Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Abugrein (بوقرين), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.445278, 15.25443. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

United Arab Emirates Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    United Arab Emirates Military
  • United Arab Emirates Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    United Arab Emirates Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC227a

Incident date

October 24, 2019

Location

مطار الكفرة, Kufra Airport, Kufra, Libya

Geolocation

24.191796, 23.326588 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported killed and one or two reported injured by an explosive remnant of war in Kufra.

Al Wasat said: “Two youths were injured when a shell exploded in the airport neighborhood in the southeastern city of Kufra on Thursday evening, local sources said.

The sources said that the shell was a remnant of the war in the region during the past years, and the explosion wounded two young Omar Saad al-Shamekh and Marei Mohammed al-Sabbagh, who were immediately rescued to the city hospital for treatment.

The same sources pointed out that the two young men have been amputated in the limbs because of the force of the missile explosion, and need urgent surgical intervention.”

Libya’s Channel provided a different account of events: “One person was killed and another injured in the city of Kufra, as a shell exploded left over from the clashes that took place in the city during the past years.

According to the reporter from Libya’s Channel in the city that the two citizens were severely injured by the explosion, and severed limbs, and after being transferred to the hospital, one of them died and the other was given the necessary assistance, explaining that they were trying to remove the shell from its place so as not to harm others, and during the attempt to remove them exploded and transported And then to the city hospital.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male injured
Adult male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 attacker
    Unknown
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Kufra Airport (مطار الكفرة), for which the generic coordinates are: 24.191796, 23.326588. 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 status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 attacker
    Unknown
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-177

Incident date

September 23, 2011

Location

الجيزة البحرية, Al Giza Al Bahriya, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

31.209412, 16.596702 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians, including one child were allegedly injured by a NATO airstrike on the Al Giza Al Bahriya area of Sirte.

Ahmed Itbiga said the two were killed by a NATO strike on a condolence page on Facebook. A nurse in a video confirms their deaths.

Other pages published similar posts.

NATO reported striking “1 Ammunition Storage Facility, 1 Anti Aircraft Gun, 1 Command and Control Node, 2 Armed Vehicles” near Sirte on that day.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 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.
  • Known attacker
    NATO forces
  • Known target
    Gaddafi forces

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Doaa M'hamed Ramadan Aba Al Tarshani Gaddafi, allegedly killed by NATO airstrike on Sirte on September 23rd, 2011 (via Al Gaddadifa martyrs)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Giza Al Bahriya (الجيزة البحرية), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.209412, 16.596702. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Giza (الجيزة).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

NATO forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

NATO forces

In the vicinity of Sirte: 1 Ammunition Storage Facility, 1 Anti Aircraft Gun, 1 Command and Control Node, 2 Armed Vehicles

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 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.
  • Known attacker
    NATO forces
  • Known target
    Gaddafi forces

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-051

Incident date

March 28, 2011

Location

مصراتة‎, Misrata, Libya

Geolocation

32.374457, 15.087794 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On March 27th 2011, Gaddafi forces reportedly bombed Misurata either with airstrikes or artillery shelling, which resulted in wounded civilians being treated in a hospital, according to a video published by a single local source.

There is currently no further information available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected targets
    Other, Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Caption translation: "Recording of the wounded civilians in Misrata after Gaddafi forces bombed the city on Monday, March 28, 2011" (via Adel Sunalla)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Misurata (مصراتة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.374457, 15.087794. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Gaddafi Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Gaddafi Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected targets
    Other, Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-023

Incident date

February 25, 2011

Location

الزاوية, Al Zawiya, Libya

Geolocation

32.759709, 12.732495 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On February 25th, 2011, Gaddafi forces bombed a mosque in Al Zawiya, killing ten using artillery and aircraft. No additional information on the victims was reported, although the deaths were reported by multiple sources on Twitter.

@alahlawy29 tweeted “an eyewitness from Al-Zawiya to Al-Jazeera: Anti-tanks and aircraft are used against demonstrators in Libya.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • 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
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a mosque being struck in the city of Zawiya (الزاوية‎). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Zawiya are: 32.759709, 12.732495.

Gaddafi Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Gaddafi Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • 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
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]