Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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

Incident Code

LC401

Incident date

May 16, 2020

Location

طرابلس‎: الفرناج, Al Fornaj: University Dormitory, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.848091, 13.241433 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Six civilians, including a child, were killed and 17 civilians were injured in alleged Libyan National Army (LNA) artillery strikes on Al Fornaj neighbourhood in Tripoli on May 16th, 2020. According to local sources, the strikes targeted housing units for displaced people at a university campus.

The Libya Observer reported that “five people were killed and six others were wounded in a rocket attack launched by the militia groups of Haftar on a residential compound for IDPs [Internally Displaced People] in Fornaj district of Tripoli on Saturday [May 16th], medical sources confirm.”

The Field Medicine and Support Center reported the names of five killed civilians and added there had been a sixth killed victim who remained unidentified. One of the victims was 5-year-old Bangladeshi boy Wahi Zuhair Matin. Burkan Al Ghadab Operation added that the the child’s “ambition was to buy a bike and ‘play like the kids’.” His family members Zuhair Matin (52) and Maria Zuhair Matin (5) were injured in the strikes.

The FMSC identified 17 civilians who were injured to varying degrees, including a woman. A spokesman for the FMSC told Libya Al Ahrar that a paramedic and an ambulance driver had been injured while helping the displaced people evacuate from the university campus building.

Burkan Al Ghadab Operation reported that “the martyr of duty Muhammad Ayyad Diyaf is one of the seven victims as a result of the bombing of the Haftar militia yesterday to accommodate the displaced persons in the university campus.” It is unclear what duties Diyaf was performing when he was killed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

5 years old male from Bangladesh killed
52 years old male from Bangladesh injured
5 years old female from Bangladesh injured

The victims were named as:

30 years old male injured
Age unknown male injured
Age unknown male injured
Age unknown male injured
Age unknown male injured
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (1 child4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    17
  • 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
    Libyan National Army
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (21) [ collapse]

  • Smoke after alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via Tk Yahrouq Kl shy).
  • Aftermath of alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via Tk Yahrouq Kl shy).
  • Smoke after alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via Tk Yahrouq Kl shy).
  • Ambulance at the site after alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Smoke leaving the building after alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Child receiving medical help in the hospital after alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Injured person receiving medical help in the hospital after alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Fire in the building after alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Man receiving medical help in the hospital after alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Injured person receiving medical help in the hospital after alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Aftermath of alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via FMSC).
  • Fire in the building after alleged LNA artillery strikes on a campus dorm housing displaced people in Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via Libya Al Ahrar).
  • Funeral of Muhammad Ayyad Diyaf, a "martyr of duty", who died in alleged LNA strikes on Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab Operation).
  • The casket of Muhammad Ayyad Diyaf, a "martyr of duty", who died in alleged LNA strikes on Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab Operation).
  • Funeral of Muhammad Ayyad Diyaf, a "martyr of duty", who died in alleged LNA strikes on Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab Operation).
  • Funeral of Muhammad Ayyad Diyaf, a "martyr of duty", who died in alleged LNA strikes on Al Fornaj neighbourhood on May 16th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab Operation).
  • Reportedly a drawing that Wahi Matin made when his family was forced to flee their homes. The 5-year-old boy was killed in alleged LNA artillery strikes on Al Fornaj on May 16th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab Operation).
  • Photo including Wahi Matin. The 5-year-old boy was killed in alleged LNA artillery strikes on Al Fornaj on May 16th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab Operation).
  • Photo including Wahi Matin. The 5-year-old boy was killed in alleged LNA artillery strikes on Al Fornaj on May 16th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab Operation).
  • Wahi Matin (5) was killed in alleged LNA artillery strikes on Al Fornaj on May 16th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab Operation).
  • The 5-year-old Bangladeshi boy Wahi Matin was killed in alleged LNA artillery strikes on Al Fornaj on May 16th, 2020 (via Burkan Al Ghadab Operation).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the university dormitory, which was being used as an IDP camp, being struck for which the generic coordinates are: 32.848091, 13.241433. 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

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 7
  • (1 child4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    17
  • 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
    Libyan National Army
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-054

Incident date

March 30, 2011

Location

العرقوب, Al Argoub, Al Wahat, Libya

Geolocation

30.315587, 19.680170 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between seven and ten civilians were allegedly killed and 25 more injured by a NATO airstrike on Al Argoub.

The BBC said: “Seven civilians died and 25 were hurt in a coalition air strike on a pro-Gaddafi convoy in eastern Libya, a doctor there has told the BBC. Dr Suleiman Refardi said Wednesday’s raid happened in the village of Zawia el Argobe, 15km (9 miles) from Brega. The strike hit a truck carrying ammunition, and the resulting explosion destroyed two nearby homes. All the dead were between the ages of 12 and 20, Dr Refardi said. Nato says it is investigating the claim.”

The source added: “Dr Refardi told the BBC that the Libyan government convoy had included tanks, artillery and trucks carrying ammunition. A direct hit on an ammunition truck and trailer in a street in Zawia el Argobe sent a hail of shrapnel into nearby houses, he said. Four of the dead were female, including three children from the same family, aged between 12 and 16, the BBC’s Ben Brown reports from Brega. Three boys, aged between 14 and 20, were also killed.”

Various local condolence pages named ten victims and posted pictures of them. Alkhdra posted the name of one combatant killed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 10
  • (6 children2 women2 men)
  • 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
    NATO forces
  • Suspected targets
    Gaddafi forces, Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Alleged victim of NATO airstrike on Al Argoub on March 30th, 2011 (via ANVWL)
  • Alleged victim of NATO airstrike on Al Argoub on March 30th, 2011 (via ANVWL)
  • Alleged victim of NATO airstrike on Al Argoub on March 30th, 2011 (via ANVWL)
  • Alleged victim of NATO airstrike on Al Argoub on March 30th, 2011 (via ANVWL)
  • Alleged victims of NATO airstrike on Al Argoub on March 30th, 2011 (via Glory to martyrs)
  • Alleged victim of NATO airstrike on Al Argoub on March 30th, 2011 (via Lailat Elfatah)
  • Abdul Hakim Muhammad Al-Zarrouk, likely a soldier killed by NATO airstrike on Al Argoub on March 30th, 2011 (via Alkhdra)
  • Interview with the injured

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Argoub (العرقوب), for which the generic coordinates are: 30.315587, 19.680170. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

NATO forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 10
  • (6 children2 women2 men)
  • 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
    NATO forces
  • Suspected targets
    Gaddafi forces, Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-191

Incident date

October 1, 2011

Location

مستشفى ابن سينا, Ibn Sina hospital, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

31.183768, 16.584301 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to sources affiliated with the Gaddafi regime, a girl was killed due to indiscriminate shelling on ‘Ibn Sina hospital’ in Sirte, in October the first, 2011.

@nooo21 said that “indiscriminate shelling by the rebels hits the Sirte city hospital with missiles.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • 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 attacker
    Libyan rebel forces
  • Known target
    Gaddafi forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Ibn Sina Hospital (مستشفي ابن سينا),  for which the generic coordinates are: 31.183768, 16.584301. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Libyan rebel forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan rebel forces
  • Libyan rebel forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • 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 attacker
    Libyan rebel forces
  • Known target
    Gaddafi forces

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-087

Incident date

May 4, 2011

Location

الحيرة, Al Hira, Libya

Geolocation

32.355833, 13.047222 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On May 4th, 2011, NATO airstrikes in the Al Hira area, west of Tripoli, led to reported civilian casualties. State television reported deaths and damage to infrastructure, and was quoted in multiple sources. No specific numbers or details about civilian and belligerent casualties were given.

Al Sharq Al-Awsat said fore example: “Libyan TV announced yesterday that NATO forces bombed the Al-Hira area, west of the capital, Tripoli, causing casualties.

‘The aggression of the Crusader colonial coalition bombed the Al-Hira area a short while ago, which led to human and material losses and damage to the infrastructure,’ it added.”

Other sources quoted the state broadcaster as well.

NATO itself declared that strikes occurred “in the vicinity of Tripoli: 2 Ammunition Storages, 1 Bunker and 1 Surface to Air location”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Known attacker
    NATO forces
  • Suspected targets
    Gaddafi forces, Other

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Hira (الحيرة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.355833, 13.047222. 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

In the vicinity of Tripoli: 2 Ammunition Storages, 1 Bunker and 1 Surface to Air location

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Known attacker
    NATO forces
  • Suspected targets
    Gaddafi forces, Other

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-133

Incident date

July 31, 2011

Location

منطقة سوق الثلاثاء, Suq Al Thulatha, Misurata, Libya

Geolocation

32.416186, 14.629205 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On July 31st, 2011, eight people were reported killed in Misurata by artillery strikes from Gaddafi forces. In addition, 20 were reported injured by AlMukhtar news. The attacks occurred within the market area of western Misrata. No additional information on the victims were report was unclear how many casualties were civilians or rebel forces.

AlMukhtar reports “after restarting it, received 8 martyrs and 20 wounded who fell on the western axis after the revolutionaries were stationed in the Tuesday market area, and the clashes are continuing so far.”

Two sources confirmed the eight dead, but only Al Mukhtar reported the 20 wounded.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 8
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–20
  • 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
    Libyan rebel forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–8
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–20

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Suq Al Thulatha (سوق الثلاثاء) area in the vicinity of Zliten (زليتن) and Misurata (مصراتة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.416186, 14.629205. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Suq Al Thulatha (سوق الثلاثاء) area in the vicinity of Zliten (زليتن) and Misurata (مصراتة).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Gaddafi Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Gaddafi Forces
  • Gaddafi Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 8
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–20
  • 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
    Libyan rebel forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–8
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–20

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-063

Incident date

April 7, 2011

Location

القوارشة, Al Qawarsheh, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.112582, 20.082151 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On April 7th, 2011, the body of an unidentified man was found in the Al Qawarsheh neighborhood of Benghazi, suspected to have been killed by Libyan rebel forces. A UN report cites the death of the man.

The UN report states “the General Prosecution in Benghazi indicating that a body of an unidentified black man found in the Kawarsha outskirts of Benghazi was brought on 7 April 2011 with gunshot wounds to the back of the head.”

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
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighborhood of Al Qawarsheh (القوارشة) in the city of Benghazi (بنغازي), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.021389, 20.073056. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighborhood of Al Qawarsheh (القوارشة) in the city of Benghazi (بنغازي).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

Lib2011-217

Incident date

December 14, 2011

Location

طرابلس‎, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.886602, 13.190912 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man was killed in Tripoli by rebel forces after the rebels tried to confiscate his car and he refused. According to UN Report Source Page 82, the rebels had approached a member of the Tripoli brigade to try to confiscate their car, claiming it was government property, but left after negotiations without the car. Later, when the Tripoli brigade member was driving the vehicle, he was ambushed by the rebels and they fatally shot him. Three of the attackers were arrested and charged with murder while the others escaped.

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
    1
  • (1 man1 other protected person)
  • 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 Tripoli (طرابلس‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.886602, 13.190912. 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
    1
  • (1 man1 other protected person)
  • 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

LC081

Incident date

May 27, 2018

Location

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

Heavy air raids on western Derna and Al-Fatayah were launched by LNA planes and UAE drones, according to local sources.

Unlimited News said that civilians were harmed in the strikes: “Activists said airstrikes late on Sunday targeted the western entrance to the city. Hours earlier, a civilian from Derna was wounded, and three others were injured when a random shell fired by the Karama forces hit the East Coast neighbourhood east of the city.”

Libya Akhbar reported: “The warplanes of the Libyan Force launched air strikes on the factory area (al Masana).”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Fatayah (الفتايح), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.733611, 22.645278. 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 Al Fatayah (درنة الفتايح).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Libyan National Army Assessment:

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

United Arab Emirates Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    United Arab Emirates Military
  • United Arab Emirates Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]