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

April 18, 2017

Incident Code

LQ040

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Sabri, Benghazi, Libya

Various local sources reported heavy joint LNA and UAE air raids on “terrorist targets” in multiple Benghazi neighbourhoods near Sabri, the fish market and Sidi Akhribesh. The 18 UAE strikes were reportedly conducted by aircraft including an AT-802U. There were no public reports of civilian harm at the time.

Summary

First published
April 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 14, 2017

Incident Code

LC068

LOCATION

درنة الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Darnah, Libya

The LNA reportedly bombed in the Al-Fatayih neighbourhood in Derna near the Faculty of Agriculture, resulting in the death of one six-month-old child. According to Libya Al Khabar, “A child from the eastern Libyan city of Derna died on Friday [April 14th] after falling into a coma after an airstrike close to his family’s home”. Libya

Summary

First published
April 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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 belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 4, 2017

Incident Code

LC067

LOCATION

الجفرة, Jufra air base, Al Jufrah, Libya

Various sources reported an LNA strike near Al-Jufra that allegedly killed a man and injured four Chadian citizens. However, the sources didn’t give information regarding whether the victims were civilians or not. According to Ali Salim, “there was one dead and four Chadian wounded following night air raids on Al Jufra base.” Ean Libya reported that

Summary

First published
April 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–4
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
Al Qaeda In the Maghreb (AQIM)
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
January 18, 2022
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

March 14, 2017

Incident Code

LC065

LOCATION

راس لانوف, Ras Lanuf, Surt, Libya

Various local sources reported LNA airstrikes on the port area of Ras Lanuf supporting a ground offensive. Raialyoum reported that “a Libyan oil company guard was killed by a bomb attack on the Ras Lanuf area of the oil crescent in central Libya on Tuesday by retired general Khalifa Haftar.” The source added, “The site

Summary

First published
March 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2017

Incident Code

LC064

LOCATION

راس لانوف, Ras Lanuf: Oil Port, Surt, Libya

An LNA airstrike allegedly killed two security guards at the oil port near Ras Lanuf. The airstrike was reportedly conducted in the evening. Libya Alkhabar reported: “Commander of the Petroleum Facilities Guard, Brigadier General Idris Bukhmadah, said in a statement from the city of Ras Lanuf that the Guard of Petroleum Facilities follows the National

Summary

First published
March 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
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
January 18, 2022
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

March 3, 2017

Incident Code

LC062

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi: Ganfouda 12 building complex, Benghazi, Libya

A woman reportedly died on March 5th after she sustained severe injuries from shrapnel after an airstrike on March 3rd from what was described as a foreign aircraft. The aircraft hit the 12 Buildings in Ganfouda approximately on March 3rd in support of the LNA campaign. Alnabaa reported: “On Sunday, one of the women trapped

Summary

First published
March 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
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
January 18, 2022
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

February 15, 2017

Incident Code

LQ065

LOCATION

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Butnan, Libya

Social media sources reported airstrikes on ten vehicles allegedly attempting to infiltrate Egypt. Oded Berkowitz reported that the Egyptian Air Force bombed 10 vehicles “carrying weapons and ammunition near the border with Libya.” An Alwast News described the incident similarly and cited the Egyptian Air Force as saying all 10 vehicles had been destroyed. A

Summary

First published
February 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2017

Incident Code

LC060

LOCATION

قاعدة الجفرة الجوية, Jufra air base, Al Jufrah, Libya

The Libya Observer reported that LNA warplanes bombed the Al-Jufra airbase, “killing two and wounding 12.” It was not clear from the report if the victims were civilians or combatants.   EAN Libya reported that six people were killed and wounded, but again did not provide a breakdown. Libya News reported that two members of the

Summary

First published
February 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
6–14
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 1, 2017

Incident Code

LC059

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi: Ganfouda 12 building complex, Benghazi, Libya

Two sources reported an LNA airstrike in Benghazi’s Ganfouda neighbourhood. A Twitter source said it hit the 12 Building complex. The Libya Herald reported that soldiers discovered a mass grave in the heavily sieged area: “Soldiers have also today uncovered a mass grave in Ganfouda which contains an unknown number of bodies. Forensic experts are

Summary

First published
February 1, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 20
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2017

Incident Code

LQ039

LOCATION

درنة‎, port, Darnah, Libya

An aircraft reportedly struck a boat allegedly belonging to the local militia Saraya Al-Dajjal off the coast of Derna. The status of any civilian crew on board is currently unknown.

Summary

First published
January 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

January 11, 2017

Incident Code

LQ038

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Alnabaa TV reported that a foreign aircraft conducted airstrikes in Ganfouda. Its source in the Benghazi Shura Council didn’t confirm any casualties. According to Alnabaa, Ganfouda has also been hit by artillery shelling in the early morning hours and civilian infrastructure was heavily targeted in the strike. Alnabaa suspected civilians in the buildings but couldn’t confirm

Summary

First published
January 11, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
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
January 18, 2022
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

January 3, 2017

Incident Code

LC057

LOCATION

قاعدة الجفرة الجوية, Al Jufra Air Base, Al Jufrah, Libya

Various local and international sources reported that an LNA airstrike hit Al-Jufra airbase and a C-130 aircraft with a civil and military delegation from the Misurata Military Council. The strike allegedly killed one member of the delegation and wounded two others. One of the injured was named as Colonel Ibrahim Bayt Al-Mal, the spokesperson of

Summary

First published
January 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2017

Incident Code

LC056

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Alnabaa reported that an unmanned drone targeted a residential area in Ganfouda with four raids and killed three civilians and injured several people including children. Tayseer Mohammad Tarban Abu Abdullah said that a civilian house was hit, while the same source claimed that the strike was conducted by the UAE. Saraya Media Center reported on

Summary

First published
January 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
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
United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2017

Incident Code

LC055

LOCATION

سبها‎, Gwirat al-Mal checkpoint, Sabha, Libya

An unspecified number of civilians were wounded in an alleged GNA/Misurata Air Force strike on the road leading to Sabha, local media reported. According to m.boshgma, “A military aircraft of the Third Force took off from the Tamanhint base and targeted the road leading to the city, injuring civilians”. AJEL.Ardalsharif.News and krama1951libya published carbon copies of this

Summary

First published
January 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Government of National Accord
Suspected target
Other
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2016

Incident Code

LC054

LOCATION

قنفودة, Benghazi, Libya

Up to two civilians died and as many as three more were wounded in an alleged UAE airstrike on a residential area in Ganfouda, Benghazi, local media reported. Alnabaa tweeted that “a source from Ganfouda said the two were killed in a foreign bombing of a family home in the area”. According to Emhona “a

Summary

First published
December 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
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 belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2016

Incident Code

LC053

LOCATION

الجيزة, Giza, Surt, Libya

Various local sources reported that Hanan bin Sirteya Gaddafi, a dermatologist from Sirte, was killed in an airstrike in a house in the Giza district in Sirte. Alwasat and Rihab News claimed that she and her husband, Osama Shuaib Zayani, joined ISIS once it took over Sirte and that she leaves behind two children. Zayani

Summary

First published
December 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
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
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 5, 2016

Incident Code

LC052

LOCATION

الجيزة, Giza, Surt, Libya

Campaign overview: The United States began a major air campaign in support of and at the request of GNA ground forces, to oust ISIS from the city of Sirte. Complete official records of the US campaign at Sirte – which saw 497 airstrikes on the city to December 5th 2016 – can be found here.

Summary

First published
December 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
30 – 50
Civilians reported injured
63
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, US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

December 2, 2016

Incident Code

LC051

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

On December 2nd, Mohamed Lajnef posted pictures of two injured children on Facebook, saying they had been liberated from ISIS. On December 5th Libya’s Channel reported Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous rescued over a hundred children and women from ISIS, some of the children severely injured. It showed pictures of two children: one is the same depicted in

Summary

First published
December 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
0–2
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, US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2016

Incident Code

LQ037a

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

Saraya Media posted a video of what it describes as a Air Tractor 802U targeting a residential neighbourhood in Ganfouda. Alnabaa reported 40 LNA airstrikes on Ganfouda as well as a UAE drone flying in the area without engaging in the strikes. Other sources also reported LNA strikes in Ganfouda. The alleged terrorist Siraj Alkerkna,

Summary

First published
November 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
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
January 18, 2022
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

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
January 18, 2022
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

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
January 18, 2022
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

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

LQ037

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

Libya’s Channel and Libya Akhbar reported on October 28th that ISIS was using civilians as human shields and that the evacuation of civilians was causing delay to the GNA campaign. The outlets both referred to Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous spokesman Rida Issa: “A member of the media centre of the Chamber of Operation, Rida Issa, said that

Summary

First published
October 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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

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
January 18, 2022
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

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
January 18, 2022
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

October 17, 2016

Incident Code

LC045

LOCATION

ميناء درنه, Derna Port, Darnah, Libya

One fisherman was killed and another injured when an airstrike hit their boat in the waters off Derna, according to local reports. Al Nabaa reported that one civilian was killed and another wounded in an LNA airstrike on the port of Derna. Al Nabaa later reported the dead man was a fisherman who was killed

Summary

First published
October 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Libyan National Army
Named victims
2 named
View Incident