Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

LC018a

Incident date

June 10, 2015

Location

درنة, Darnah, Libya

Geolocation

32.76704, 22.63669 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 civilians in Darnah (Al Majri house).”

Al Bayan said that the airstrike was supposed to hit the ISIS police in Darnah but missed its target and hit the house of the Al Majri family instead.

Other sources like Al Nabaa published similar reports.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Translation: US agent (Haftar) airliner bombs Tariq al-Majri's house in Darna and a site of Mujahideen Shura Council that affiliated with of Daesh. "The harder they get, helped them" (Source: @dido84bodi)
  • Another picture of the aftermath (via Mohamed Tarbah)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Darnah (درنة) for which the generic coordinates are: 32.76704, 22.63669. 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

  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC018c

Incident date

July 2, 2015

Location

النوفلية, Nofaliya, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

30.778694, 17.835027 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians from one family were reported killed in Nofaliya, Sirte in an LNA or NATO nation airstrike.

Jalferjani posted on Twitter that “The Al Diab family house was shelled by a NATO aircraft and two children and their parent were killed in the city of Sirte.”

Presslibya said that the LNA had bombed in the area but didn’t mention civilian harm.

Other sources only reported airstrikes but didn’t say who was behind them.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Child Via @JAlferjani killed
Child Via @JAlferjani killed

Summary

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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Nofaliya (النوفلية), for which the generic coordinates are: 30.778694, 17.835027. 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

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
    3
  • (2 children)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Libyan National Army

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ008

Incident date

July 19, 2015

Location

بنغازي‎, port, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.110556, 20.043889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several sources reported LNA planes hitting two boats allegedly belonging to Ansar Al-Sharia loaded with weapons and ammunition. One of the boats sunk, the other one was damaged.

Several outlets including Iran Arabic Radio and Sputnik Arabic reported comments from an LNA spokesperson, who said the attacks targeted two ships, both carrying weapons. Air Force commander Major-General Hijazi was quoted in Sputnik as saying the ships came from Misrata, and that they were “completely destroyed.” Other sources including Radio Sawa and Albawaba reported the attacks took place near Benghazi and said that one ship had been sunk and the other was damaged. Several reports called the ship a “fishing vessel.”

There were no reports of civilians hurt in the attacks.

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 (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: # Benghazi || The aviation targets the stronghold of terrorist groups in the vicinity of "Tikka" and also targeted a bulldozer in the vicinity of the port, "Al-Marsa", which led to the explosion (Source: @boshgma)

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 (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC019

Incident date

July 23, 2015

Location

بنغازي‎: مستشفى الجمهورية, Republic Hospital, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.127252, 20.071549 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to Russia Today, “medical sources in the city of Benghazi said that two people died and ten were wounded on Thursday (July 23rd) in clashes in the city centre between army forces and Islamist militants.”

Ewan Libya reported that one civilian was killed after a shell fell on the Ben Younis area.

Local sources reported LNA airstrikes with MiG-23 as well as Mi-25 and Mi-35 helicopters near Bouhdeima, Sabri, the fish market area and Leithi.

Other sources also reported fierce clashes in the Sabri area but made no mention of civilian casualties.

According to Alarab, “clashes were renewed in the city of Benghazi, between the Libyan army with the support of civilians, and elements of Islamic State and the Shura Council of the rebels in Benghazi. This led to the displacement of a number of people. Sources said the clashes were taking place in the area of Bouhdeima in Benghazi, east of the country, between the army and armed militias, while the Libyan army planes bombed the positions of militants.”

Egy News also spoke of an intense bombardment, reporting shelling of “the dens of terrorists with heavy artillery and tanks, in addition to air strikes from the eagles of the air force”.

Other sources – @AlmanaraMedia and @EanLibya – tweeted that “explosive barrels” were dropped on the area – but again, made no mention of civilian casualties.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention airstrikes targeting ammunition depots near Benghazi’s Republic Hospital (مستشفى الجمهورية), for which the coordinates are: 32.127252, 20.071549. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Image showing the location of the Republic Hospital in Benghazi, near where the airstrike targeted.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

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 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC019a

Incident date

August 1, 2015

Location

اجدابيا: مبنى التدريب المهني, Ajdabiya Vocational Training Center, Al Wahat, Libya

Geolocation

30.746096, 20.234558 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 Shahhat reported that two Syrians were killed, four more injured and another two Chadians wounded.

Bngazy22 wrote on Twitter that “at least four Egyptian workers were killed in the industrial area of Ajdabiya as a result of the bombing of the aircraft of the criminal Haftar.”

Other sources reported that airstrikes targeted the Islamic State in the area.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Translation: Ajdabiya 2 Syrians killed, 4 wounded 2 Chadian and 2 Syrians, whose members are not known now as a result of the bombing of the Libyan army Industrial District (Source: @tariqgibrel)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention an airstrike targeted the Ajdabiya Vocational Training Center (مبنى التدريب المهني), for which the coordinates are: 30.746096, 20.234558. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Image showing location of Vocational Training Center in Ajdabiya

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

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
    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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ009

Incident date

August 7, 2015

Location

درنة‎, port, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

32.763333, 22.654722 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that the LNA bombed a boat carrying ‘gunmen and weapons’ near Derna. There were, however, no reports of civilian harm.

According to Ashoruq, “A plane belonging to the Libyan air force at the Tobruk base bombed a boat carrying gunmen and ammunition off the port of Derna, Libya’s central gate reported Friday. A military source from the Tobruk base that the boat was coming from the west of Libya towards the port of Derna, was intercepted by the sea, and after several warnings to stop where it did not respond, it was bombed.”

Alhadath channel reported that “The Libyan air force bombs a vehicle [boat] loaded with weapons off Derna”. However, Libya Schannel said that the air force “destroyed a bulldozer that was carrying weapons and fighters”.
It is unknown whether any civilian sailors were killed in the attack.

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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Picture of the alleged aftermath (via Alwasat 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ009a

Incident date

August 25, 2015

Location

درنة الفتايح, Derna: Al Fatayah, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

32.733611, 22.645278 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported heavy LNA shelling on populated areas in Derna.

Mohamed Alshiki posted on Twitter: “Heavy shelling by the Libyan air force now by using warplanes and vertical combat

The shelling also included the valleys in Derna.”

Ramaa_el_gd reported, “bombing by Haftar which hit three residential neighbourhoods, led to burning farms and the some damaged houses.”

Solidarity for Human Rights posted a video of the event on Facebook saying: “Witness: The moment the air raid bombed the homes of residents of the city of Derna with an explosive barrel amid the panic of children.”

Libya in the heart reported strikes in the Al Fatayah area of the city.

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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Translation: The bombing of the Haftar airliner that targeted three residential neighbourhoods led to the burning of farms and the injury of some Derna houses and three evil axes (Source: Ramaa_el_gd)
  • A video shows the moment followed an alleged LN airstrike carried out in Derna (Source: Libya Observer)
  • Translation: The Air Force targets the locations of Daesh by air strikes in the eastern Oqaba to the coast of the city of Derna just a while ago (Source: @mohamedalzober)

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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ010

Incident date

September 25, 2015

Location

درنة الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

32.733611, 22.645278 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The LNA reportedly targeted the Shura Council and ISIS with 25 airstrikes at dawn in the eastern part of the city.

According to Libya 24 News, “a plane belonging to the Libyan air force struck at dawn today sites belonging to the Libyan branch of the Islamic State organization ‘Daesh’ east of the city of Derna, amid ongoing clashes.”

Despite the significant number of reported airstrikes, there were no local published 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 (10) [ collapse]

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]