All Belligerents in Libya, 2011

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
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Incident Code

Lib2011-061

Incident date

April 6, 2011

Location

مصراتة‎, Misurata, Libya

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

On April 6th 2011, Gaddafi forces launched an airstrike or artillery shelling on Misurata in the evening that resulted in the reported deaths of five people and the injuring of an additional 25.

Al Jazeera said that five people were killed and 25 others wounded in the bombing on areas controlled by the rebels in Misurata, the third-largest city in Libya. The port was temporarily closed as a result.

@egyptynewsnet also said five were killed.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    25
  • 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
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

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
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    25
  • 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
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-158

Incident date

September 7, 2011

Location

التسعين, Al Tes'een, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

31.012631, 17.448006 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On September 7th, 2011 NATO forces bombed the Al Tes’seen near Sirte, killing a 60 year old woman and injuring two children, a four year old girl and nine year old boy. Another unnamed woman was shown on video in the hospital, but it was unclear if she had died as a result of the strikes.

The woman killed was named as Saada al-Zayani, who died during surgery from injuries due to the bombing. The four year old girl was injured in the chest, while the nine year old boy suffered injuries to his right leg.

Nour Al Din Nasser Al Zanki reported the names, while a Surt Son video, dated on September 7th, showed the unnamed woman.

NATO reported hitting “5 Armoured Fighting Vehicles, 2 Armed Vehicles” in Sirte on that day.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Aisha Moftah Abdel Hadi
4 years old female injured
Abdul-Razzaq Moftah Abdel-Hadi
9 years old male injured
Saada Al-Zayani
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    NATO forces
  • Known target
    Gaddafi forces

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Unnamed woman, from a Surt Son video dated September 7, 2011

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the area of Al Tes’een (التسعين), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.012631, 17.448006. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

NATO forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

NATO forces
Official source

In the vicinity of Sirte: 5 Armoured Fighting Vehicles, 2 Armed Vehicles

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    NATO forces
  • Known target
    Gaddafi forces

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-018

Incident date

February 23, 2011

Location

ميدان الشهداء‎, Martyrs’ Square, Zawiya, Libya

Geolocation

32.895, 13.181111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On February 23rd, 2011, seven civilians were killed by the 32nd Brigade in the central square of Al Zawiyah. A UN report mentioned the shooting of seven unarmed civilians.

The report states “The Commission found local authorities exercised initial restraint when engaging protesters in the central square in Al Zawiyah. The Commission determined a violent response began after the 32nd Brigade arrived on 23 February 2011 and shot at unarmed protesters, killing seven, and prompting an escalation of violence on both sides.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the central square and its general surroundings. One possible match for this square is the Martyrs’ square (ميدان الشهداء‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.895, 13.181111. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-203

Incident date

October 9, 2011

Location

الزاوية‎, Zawiya, Libya

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

At least two men died from injuries they sustained after being detained by rebel forces at Judayem detention centre and later died in Al Zawiyah Hospital on October 9, 2011 according to UN Report Source Page 81.

Both men were arrested on September 17, 2011 in Al Zawiyah by rebel forces and taken to Judaism detention centre. One of the men was seen by a witness being beaten in custody, was briefly released on October 8, 2011 but was rearrested just hours later and the following morning his family was informed he died at Al Zawiyah Hospital with many visible injuries. The second man was brought to Al Zawiyah Hospital in a coma and died shortly after, with various injuries consistent with torture.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men2 other protected persons)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men2 other protected persons)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ049

Incident date

June 27, 2017

Location

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

Geolocation

29.3223255, 24.7302246 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to Reuters and local sources, Egyptian airstrikes destroyed 12 vehicles allegedly carrying weapons and explosives near the border between Libya and Egypt.

The sources were conflicted as to whether the incident took place inside Libya or Egypt, with most of them stating it was in Libya.

However, Libya Herald noted the following: “The Egyptian air force claims to have destroyed a convoy of trucks laden with weapons as it crossed from Libya south of the Siwa oasis between the Qattara Depression and the Egyptian Sand Sea in the Western Desert. It posted footage said to show the airstrikes going in on Tuesday as the convoy moved apparently slowly through a remote desert area. A military spokesman in Cairo said that the 12 vehicles had been hit when they were some 60 kilometres inside Egypt. He said the airstrikes had been ordered as part of an intelligence-led operation. After the air attack, ground forces were said to be pursuing the survivors. The Egyptians have revealed nothing about the identity of those in the convoy. However, the suspicion is that whether they were militants or just smugglers, the weapons, explosives and ammunition in the trucks were ultimately destined for terrorists based in Sinai.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Egyptian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Egyptian Military
  • Egyptian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ012

Incident date

September 27, 2015

Location

بنغازي‎, Bouatni, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.0875, 20.172222 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported multiple helicopter strikes on Benghazi in the Bouatni, Sabri, Leithi and fish market areas. It also posted a video showing artillery shelling but didn’t specify on the location.

There were no public reports of civilian harm.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A video shows some footages in the battlefield in Benghazi led by LNA (Source: LNA media office)

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
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ004

Incident date

November 22, 2014

Location

بئر الغنم, Bi'r al Ghanam, Zawiya, Libya

Geolocation

32.311608, 12.569035 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

LNA airstrikes reportedly targeted Libya Dawn at several locations in the south and west of the Libyan capital including Gheryan, Chalghouda, Nasser, Mazraq Al Qanqa, the Botteh Sorman farm, Bir Hwaisa, the Khuwaildi reserve, Bi’r Al Ghanam, Buaisa, Al Rabeta and the Shamalat factory. There were no public reports of civilian harm.

Sky News reported: “The Libyan air force on Friday [Nov 22nd] bombed sites belonging to militant groups known as Libya Dawn west of Tripoli, in the first daily raids targeting the region, the sources said. Yes, today the battle began in Tripoli, targeting the air force centres of terrorists, Libyan army spokesman Maj. Mohamed Hijazi told Sky News Arabiya on Saturday night [Nov 23rd].

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: Fajr Libya operation media offie confers that Haftar airforce conducted airstrike on the area of Shalghouda (Source: Almanara Libya)

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
  • 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-079

Incident date

April 27, 2011

Location

East of Steel Factory, Misurata, Libya

Geolocation

32.336699, 15.215170 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A NATO airstrike reportedly killed between 11 and 12 rebels in a friendly fire incident near Misurata.

CNN said 11 rebels were killed and two wounded and added: “Angry survivors told Marie Colvin of The Sunday Times that they and the victims were on the coast, east of a steel plant, when a NATO plane bombed them. There were no other planes in the sky, the survivors said. NATO spokesman Eric Povel said he knew nothing about the report and would likely not learn more for several hours.”

Frian posted on Twitter: “A NATO airstrike in the besieged rebel-held city of Misurata mistakenly killed 12 Libyan rebels”

Other sources published similar posts, though with none of them specifying on which day the incident happened.

NATO itself reported hitting “2 rocket launchers; 2 artillery vehicles; 1 armoured personnel carrier” near Misurata on that day but did not mention friendly fire.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    11–12

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the shore to the east of the Steel Factory for which the generic coordinates are: 32.336699, 15.215170. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

NATO forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

NATO forces
Official source

In the vicinity of Misurata: 2 rocket launchers; 2 artillery vehicles; 1 armoured personnel carrier.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Libyan rebel forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    11–12

Sources (5) [ collapse]