Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

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

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

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

February 7, 2016

Incident Code

LC023

LOCATION

درنة‎: باب طبرق, Bab Tobruk, Darnah, Libya

An unknown aircraft bombed the Bab Tobruk neighbourhood near the medical centre in Derna, which led to the death of a woman and her child, according to local and international sources. The three strikes, which reportedly targeted the Shura Council, damaged the Al Wahda hospital and the Omar bin Khattab mosque in the Zuhour district

Summary

First published
February 7, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
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
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 5, 2017

Incident Code

LC058

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Libya Alahrar TV reported on Facebook that four children were killed in an airstrike in Ganfouda carried out by the UAE in support of LNA. A two-family house was reportedly hit in the strike. Other sources, such as Morasel Benghazi and bngazy22, also reported the death of four children, some of them quoting the Saraya

Summary

First published
January 5, 2017
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
Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 24, 2019

Incident Code

LC185

LOCATION

سوق الكريمية الاستثماري, Vicinity of Al Keramia Market, Tarabulus, Libya

Between three and four civilians were allegedly killed in an LNA or UAE airstrike on Al-Swani. The Libya Observer tweeted: “Military Source: An airstrike carried out by UAE-backed Haftar’s air force militia destroys a civilian’s car killing three family members fleeing the fighting in Swani region, south Tripoli.” Hona Souq Al-Khmies also put the death

Summary

First published
August 24, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
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 belligerents
Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 20, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-071

LOCATION

بئر الغنم, Bi'r al Ghanam, Al Zawiyah, Libya

Four civilians were reported killed in a NATO airstrike on Bi’r al Ghanam near Tripoli. Arab Anger Revolution posted on Facebook that “Earlier, four people were killed in the Bi’r al-Ghanam area, southwest of the capital, after an airstrike by the alliance on civilian and military targets.” NATO did not report airstrikes in the area

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
4
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

March 2, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-026

LOCATION

البريقة, Brega, Al Wahat, Libya

Four civilians were reported killed and ten more wounded in an airstrike by the Gaddafi regime in Brega. Only one source, Naji Alive, reported civilians casualties, via Twitter: “Four killed and 10 injured in airstrikes targeting Brega city west of Benghazi.” Other sources, such as NPR, only reported airstrikes by the regime: “‘Huge plumes of

Summary

First published
March 2, 2011
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
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
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Incident Code

LC063

LOCATION

مدرسة تحرير ليبيا, راس لانوف, Medical Centre, Ras Lanuf, Surt, Libya

Various sources reported LNA airstrikes in Libya’s oil crescent. Strikes in all the major oil ports were mentioned but no further details on the exact locations were given, except for one source which said a raid took place in the Ras Lanuf area. Human Rights Solidarity later said that one strike hit the Ras Lanuf

Summary

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

October 20, 2016

Incident Code

LC046

LOCATION

الجيزة, Giza, Surt, Libya

On October 21st Ahmed El Sharkawy claimed that the bodies of children and women were trapped under rubble in Giza but didn’t say what the reason for the destruction was. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

First published
October 20, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
4–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

June 10, 2015

Incident Code

LC018a

LOCATION

درنة, Darnah, Libya

Four civilians were reported killed in an alleged LNA airstrike on Darnah. Majed wrote on Twitter that “the number of martyrs killed by the Haftar airliner has risen to four in the city of Darnah, the same number of civilians killed by ISIS.” Mohamed Tarbah also reported the targeting of civilians: “A military aircraft bombard

Summary

First published
June 10, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 6, 2018

Incident Code

LC082

LOCATION

شميخ, Shumaykh, Misrata, Libya

AFRICOM reported that it conducted a precision strike on ISIS near Bani Walid. While the US itself said that 4 members of the organisation were killed in the attack, including senior member Abdul-Ati Eshtewi, on a vehicle, local sources reported that three of the people in the car were actually civilians. Alrseefa reported: “Reconciliation in Tripoli

Summary

First published
June 6, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 29, 2017

Incident Code

LC066

LOCATION

درنة الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Darnah, Libya

An LNA airplane conducted strikes in Al-Fatayih, according to various sources. Libya Al Mostakbal reported there were no human casualties but a herd of sheep got hit and some of the animals were killed. Several sources claimed that the plane later crashed over Tobruk into the Tersha neighbourhood, which led to the death of the

Summary

First published
March 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
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

September 16, 2016

Incident Code

LC041

LOCATION

الجغبوب, Jaghbub, Al Butnan, Libya

In an incident dated no later than September 16th, Alwasat reported that three young men from Al-Bayda were killed in an Egyptian airstrike after crossing the border coming from a fishing trip near Jaghbub. The journal named the victims as Mu’taz Salem Ali Bhohelasiya, 19 years old, Hussam al-Gilani, 27 years old, and Salem Hussein

Summary

First published
September 16, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
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 belligerent
Egyptian Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC100b

LOCATION

راس يوسف, Ras Yusuf, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

Two women and an elderly man were reportedly killed by indiscriminate artillery shelling in Tripoli. UNSMIL wrote in its civilian casualty report that “two women and an elderly man were killed in Ras Yusuf district while attempting to escape the shelling.” Local reports point at GNA-affiliated militias or the 7th Brigade as the perpetrator behind

Summary

First published
January 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC165

LOCATION

السواني, Al-Swani, Tarabulus, Libya

Up to three medics were reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike on a field hospital in Al-Swani. Burkanly only said the hospital had been targeted without mentioning civilian harm. OCHA Libya said three medical staff had been injured and equipment damaged. Hona Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel reported that three combatants had been killed while several doctors

Summary

First published
July 16, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 3
Civilians reported injured
3–4
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
Suspected target
GNA
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident