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 Code

LC140

Incident date

May 14, 2019

Location

الملجأ, Almalja, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.68869, 13.174971 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 a woman, a baby and a 7-year-old girl. Rocket attacks on the militias of the Sarraj government targeted their homes in the area of Qasr Bin Ghashir south of the capital Tripoli.”

Almarsad published a more detailed summary of events: “The number of people killed in a rocket attack of GNA forces in the Qasr Bin Gashir area, has risen to six civilians, including infant and a seven-year-old girl from the Faraj Beshish family.

Residents of the neighborhood told them that at least three rockets landed on the densely populated “Al Malja neighborhood ” in the Qasr Bin Gashir municipality. Ahmed Fathi al-Hadi al-Mazouji and his mother, a eight-month pregnant woman, Hanan, and four others were injured. Including his brother and sister.

One of the rockets targeted the house of Hammadi al-Tarhouni, wounding a housewife called ‘Aisha’, an elderly woman who was seriously wounded. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition, and a fire broke out in the two houses. Faraj Bishish accompanied her pregnant mother as shown in this video clip just before inside the hospital.

In the same area, another missile hit cars parked in front of houses in the same neighborhood, causing the fire to erupt as people tried to control the fire.”

An on-the-ground investigation by Amnesty International later concluded: Fragments recovered at the scene confirm that heavy artillery projectiles were used in this attack. As even modern artillery has a circular error probable (CEP) of at least 100 meters at the weapon’s typically employed range, this weapon is not appropriate for use in dense urban environments. The site of the strike was over two kilometres behind the front line, and no military target was visible on satellite imagery of the time. Direct attacks targeting civilians may constitute war crimes.

The incident occured at 00:15:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed al-Mazougi
Child male killed
Ahmed Fathi al-Hadi al-Mazouji
Age unknown male injured
Aisha
Adult female Housewife injured

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Government of National Accord

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed al-Mazougi, supposedly killed in the incident
  • Another picture of Ahmed al-Mazougi and more photos from the aftermath of the attack
  • Pictures of the victims in the second tweet

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Almalja (الملجأ), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.68869, 13.174971. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Almalja (الملجأ).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Government of National Accord

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC435

Incident date

May 28, 2023

Location

الماية, Al Maya, Al Zawiya, Libya

Airwars assessment

As many as seven civilians were injured by alleged airstrikes carried out by the Government of National Unity on a port in Al Maya the evening of May 28, 2023. Between two and five members of the Coast Guard/Stability Support Agency were also killed in the airstrikes.

A tweet from @rgowans reported that with the use of Turkish drones, the GNU conducted airstrike against the Libyan Coast Security base and port in Al Maya, resulting in destruction to 10 marine vessels and the death of five Coast Security officers, as well as an “unspecified” number injured. @wady_dynar provided the casualty toll that two young men were killed and seven others were wounded.

AFP identified at least two people killed and several others wounded in the port of Al Maya. MP Ali Abu Zariba posted on Facebook that “My nephew Mohamad Abu Zariba was hit in the raid on al-Maya” in addition to photos that circulated showing his nephew wounded in the hospital. Al Zawiya Al Hadath 24 added in a Facebook post that Mohamad is also the nephew of the Minister of Interior Issam Abu Zariba. Al Wasat News also named “Muhammad al-Fitouri” and “Abd al-Azim al-Hattab” from the Abu Surra region as being injured in the bombing.

A Facebook post from Tarhouna 24 named “Muhammad Al-Shteiwi” and “Sami Al-Qadiri,” two young men, as being killed in the airstrikes. @ObservatoryLY identified Muhammad as the “commander of the headquarters of the Stability Support Agency, al-Gharbia branch – al-Hashan” and Sami as “one of the members of the “55th Infantry Battalion” led by Muammar al-Dhawi.”

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad al-Fitouri
Age unknown injured
Abd al-Azim al-Hattab
Age unknown injured
Muhammad Adnan Abu Zariba
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    Government of National Accord
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–5

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @Lyobserver)
  • Screenshot of Facebook post by Al Zawiya Al Hadath 24
  • "Muhammad Al-Shteiwi" and "Sami Al-Qadiri," two young men identified as members of the tability Support Agency killed by alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by Tarhouna 24 via Facebook)
  • Screenshot of Facebook post by Tarhouna 24
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohamad Abu Zariba, nephew of MP Ali Abu Zariba who was injured by alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by Tarhouna 24 via Facebook)
  • Video: The moment a Turkish drone bombed the Maya port
  • Effects of air strikes on an armed boat used for human trafficking in the port of Maya.
  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @libyapress2010)
  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @libyapress2010)
  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @libyapress2010)
  • Footage of the port of Maya after the bombing by the drone
  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @abaadnews_ly)
  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @abaadnews_ly)

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    Government of National Accord
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–5

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC117

Incident date

April 16, 2019

Location

محطة وقود البوعيشي, Al Buashi gas station, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.790437, 13.179721 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An elder woman was reported killed and between one and four civilians injured from indiscriminate artillery shelling on Ain Zara.

Aksa Net posted a video with a man claiming the death of the woman.

Riyadh Burshan said one woman was injured and posted images of the site of the incident.

Tk yhrog kl shy2 wrote: “Yesterday night a shell fell on the Al-Milo family house in Ain Zara behind the petrol station (Al Buashi), wounding four young brothers, three had limbs amputated and the fourth in serious condition in the care.”

Local reports point at the GNA or the LNA as perpetrators of the shelling.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Pictures from the incident
  • Video claiming the death of the woman

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Buashi Gas Station (محطة وقود البوعيشي), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.790437, 13.179721. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Libyan National Army Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC145

Incident date

May 24, 2019

Location

أبو سليم, Abu Salim, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.842957, 13.171578 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three people were reportedly injured by indiscriminate artillery shelling on the Abu Salim neighbourhood of Tripoli.

The Municipal Council of Abu Salim published a statement saying: “As a result of the indiscriminate shelling of the Municipality of Abu Salim, a random rocket landed on the main road next to the traffic light. This rocket caused panic among the residents in their cars.
Some civilians (one woman and two young men from one family) were injured.”

Dr. Hatem Ezwai tweeted: “Municipality of Abu Salim announces the injury of a woman and two young men from the same family as a result of a missile hittin them on the airport road.”

Other sources published similar accounts.

Local reports of fighting point at the GNA or the LNA as the perpetrator of the shelling.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Pictures from the site of the incident
  • Video of the aftermath

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Abu Salim (أبو سليم), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.842957, 13.171578. 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 Abu Salim (أبو سليم).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Libyan National Army Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC436

Incident date

May 29, 2023

Location

عين زارة, Ain Zara, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.805138, 13.269118 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian man was injured by shelling between “Al Radaa” and “Brigade 444”, one of which is loyal to the Government of National Unity, which struck his home in Ain Zara on May 29, 2023.

A tweet from @ObservatoryLY reported that a house in Ain Zara was hit by a shell during clashes between “Al Radaa” and “Brigade 444” and its occupant was injured by shrapnel. Multiple local sources identified the injured man as the head of his family.

The Ambulance Services Libya posted on Facebook that the shelling occurred in the area of five streets of Ain Zara and that the injured person was treated at Istiqlal clinic.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Government of National Accord

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian injured by clashes between militias in Ain Zara on May 29, 2023. (Image posted by Ambulance Services Libya via Facebook)
  • Damage caused by clashes between militias in Ain Zara on May 29, 2023. (Image posted by @ObservatoryLY)
  • Screenshot of Facebook post by Ambulance Services Libya

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Ain Zara (عين زارة) neighbourhood of the city of Tripoli (طرابلس الغرب), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.805138, 13.269118. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Government of National Accord

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC119

Incident date

April 19, 2019

Location

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.688716, 13.173889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child allegedly died from indiscriminate artillery shelling on Qasr Bin Gashir near Tripoli.

Mohamed Al Terhouni posted on Facebook: “Today my wife’s cousin, Radwan Milad Attiya, died because of a mortar shell. My wife’s brother and his cousin were slightly injured.”

Mohammed A Alhise said that the two injured were both cousin’s of Attiya.

Other sources provided similar information and posted pictures of the victim.

Local reports of shelling point at GNA or LNA as the perpetrator of the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Radwan Milad Attiya
Child male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Photos os the victim and the incident
  • Another picture of the victim

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Qasr Bin Gashir (قصر بن غشير), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.688716, 13.173889. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Libyan National Army Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC156

Incident date

June 26, 2019

Location

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.709600, 13.382378 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were allegedly killed by indiscriminate shelling on the Wadi al Rabie neighbourhood of Tajoura.

LCNA reported: “A random shell landed Tuesday night on the house of Mohammed Salim al-Mazouji in the Wadi Al Rabie area, killing two of his sons, in addition to his granddaughter while they were inside the house.”

Other sources published similar reports.

Local reports of fighting point at the GNA or the LNA as perpetrators of the shelling.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Wadi Al Rabie (الطويشة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.709600, 13.382378. 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 Wadi Al Rabie (الطويشة).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Libyan National Army Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1 child2 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC437

Incident date

May 31, 2023

Location

العجيلات, Al Ajailat, Libya

Geolocation

32.756951, 12.360506 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian named Ali Balkour was killed by alleged Government of National Unity (Turkish) drone strikes on the Al Shabika area in the city of Al Ajailat on May 31, 2023.

A tweet from @aleasima_17 reported that three raids in the Al Shabika area resulted in the death of Ali Balkour inside a wine factory. Other sources published similar information on the location of the strikes and the casualty.

Multiple local sources identified a drone as being used in the attack, with @TaqrftA blaming a Turkish drone.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ali Balkour
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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 attacker
    Government of National Accord

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Screenshot of Facebook post by Al Zawiya Al Hadath 24

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Ajailat (العجيلات), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.756951, 12.360506. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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 attacker
    Government of National Accord

Sources (8) [ collapse]