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

Lib2011-150

Incident date

August 23, 2011

Location

باب عكاره, Bab Akkara, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.866912, 13.173494 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 15 and 19 men, including three medical personnel, were killed and at least six others were injured between Gargur and the Gaddafi compound at Bab al-Aziziyah in Tripoli on August 23, 2011.

A member of the rebel forces witnessed 15 bodies, all in civilian clothes and all of them handcuffed behind the back with electric cable or handcuffs, being loaded into a truck outside of the Gaddafi compound.

Another witness saw Gaddafi forces stop an ambulance with “17 February” written on the side and shoot the three men on board, two men in medical scrubs and the driver.

Another witness was detained at the same checkpoint and saw a man who had a card identifying him as a Tripoli rebel shot in the head. The witness and his friend were beaten and held in a shop in Bab Aukara where four detainees were already being held and had undergone severe torture. This same witness also witnessed the medical staff being executed.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 19
  • (15–19 men3 healthcare_personnel)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected target
    Gaddafi forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Bab Akkara (باب عكاره) neighbourhood of Tripoli (طرابلس‎), the generic coordinates for which are: 32.866912, 13.173494. Reports of the incident also mention a riverbed which runs along the neighbourhood’s southwestern edge. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Bab Akkara (باب عكاره) neighbourhood of Tripoli (طرابلس‎). Reports of the incident also mention a riverbed which runs along the neighbourhood’s southwestern edge.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 19
  • (15–19 men3 healthcare_personnel)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected target
    Gaddafi forces

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC434

Incident date

July 22, 2022

Location

زاوية الدهماني, Zawiyat Al Dahmani, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.896195, 13.206208 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Civil casualties resulted from unknown shelling of the radio building in Zawiya al-Dahmani on July 22, 2022.

@AnisAbdaljawad reported that shells fell next to the radio station, Zawiya al-Dahmani.

@taqarifatnews quoted the spokesman for the Emergency and Ambulance Service, Osama Ali, who stated that the shelling next to the radio building caused casualties.

No other additional information is available to Airwars at the time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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 attacker
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Zawiyat Al Dahmani (زاوية الدهماني) neighbourhood of Tripoli (طرابلس). The generic coordinates for Zawiyat Al Dahmani are: 32.896195, 13.206208. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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 attacker
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC095

Incident date

September 23, 2018

Location

خلة الفرجان, Khallet Al Furjan, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.795738, 13.217038 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One elderly man from Syria was reportedly injured because of indiscriminate artillery shelling on the Khallet Al Furjan neighbourhood of Tripoli.

The Tripoli Wounded Affairs Administration posted details and pictures on the incident on Facebook: “The field hospital of the Department of Wounded Affairs received on Sunday, September 23, 2018 an injured elderly man from Syria who was injured when a shell fell on his residence in Khallet al-Furjan area. He was given the first aid needed by the field hospital team.”

Ala Kikra, Alwasat and Libyan CNA published similar report referring to the Wounded Affairs Administration’s statement.

Local reports of artillery shelling by the 7th Brigade and GNA-affiliated militias point at one of the parties as the perpetrator.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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, 7th Brigade

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Images of the supposed victim by the Tripoli Wounded Affairs Administration

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Khallet Al Furjan (خلة الفرجان), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.795738, 13.217038. 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 Khallet Al Furjan (خلة الفرجان).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Government of National Accord Assessment:

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

7th Brigade Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    7th Brigade
  • 7th Brigade position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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, 7th Brigade

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ057

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Location

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Libya

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

The Egyptian air force destroyed ten vehicles it said were attempting to enter the country from the border with Libya, and which were allegedly smuggling weapons.

According to Arab Today, “The raid was carried out on Wednesday on the basis of information that “criminal elements were preparing to infiltrate” Egypt, said army spokesman Col. Tamer El-Refai in a statement. The officer said that the vehicles were attacked once they entered Egyptian territory, but he did not specify the fate of those in the convoy. Egypt, which has struck terrorist targets inside Libya, regularly warns of a spillover of instability from its lawless western neighbour, a haven of arms and people trafficking.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Egyptian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ033

Incident date

August 3, 2016

Location

سرت‎, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

31.190547, 16.571441 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an alleged friendly fire incident, a US strike in Sirte was reported to have accidentally killed 13 Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous members.

According to Erem News, LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari commented on the incident: “Colonel Ahmed al-Mismari reported the killing of 13 GNA soldiers in a US aircraft by mistake, which was targeting elements of Daesh downtown Sirte.”

Aldalel reported on Facebook that the airstrike targeted a tank which the GNA soldiers were in.

A total of five or six manned and unmanned airstrikes was recorded by various sources.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

US Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ018

Incident date

November 25, 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

LNA helicopters reportedly targeted a boat loaded with weapons off the coast of Derna belonging to the Shura Council. Alarabiya said that the captain of the boat initially claimed it was carrying humanitarian aid. Sources reported that the strike killed Ansar Al Sharia leader Hamid Alshaari.

According to Alshorook, “Ansar al-Sharia, the so-called Shura Council of Mujahideen Darnah, announced the killing of its leader Hamid al-Shaeri in an air strike two days ago in the eastern city of Derna.”

It is unknown whether any civilian crew were killed or injured 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]

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

LC116

Incident date

April 15, 2019

Location

طرابلس‎: أبو سليم, Tripoli: 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

Between one and six civilians were allegedly injured by indiscriminate artillery shelling on Tripoli.

Libya 24 TV reported: “On Monday, the municipal council of Abu Salim announced that five random shells had been fired at the residential area adjacent to Repsol, one of which hit a residential apartment for a family of six.

The media office of the municipality in a post on the official page of the social networking site “Facebook” that the bombing resulted in a injured family member to be taken to receive treatment at the Green Hospital, and damaged the apartment and a number of cars located in the place.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–6
  • 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 attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A person allegedly injured in the attack (via Tripoli Alaan)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Another person allegedly injured in the attack (via Tripoli Alaan)
  • Damage from the shelling (via Tripoli Alaan)
  • More damage from the shelling (via Tripoli Alaan)
  • More pictures from the incident

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention 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.

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
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–6
  • 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 attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC220

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Location

عين زارة, Ain Zara, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.816556, 13.267525 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An ambulance driver was reportedly injured by indiscriminate shelling on Ain Zara.

Ambulance Services Libya said: “The driver Mohamed Fawzi of the rescue team was injured by a shell while he was working in the Ain Zara area and was transferred to the medical center for treatment.”

Later it added: “The ambulance and emergency team visited the driver Mohammed Fawzi to check on his health.

It is noteworthy that he was injured at dawn today in Ain Zara while he was working to rescue the injured and is now in the care room of Tripoli Medical Center after some surgery.”

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Victims being treated after alleged artillery shelling on Ain Zara on October 16th, 2019 (via Ambulance Services Libya)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ain Zara (عين زارة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.816556, 13.267525. 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

  • 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]