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 date

March 18, 2016

Incident Code

LC028

LOCATION

شواطئ بنغازي, Benghazi Shoreline, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA targeted a marine trailer reportedly carrying 10 tanks, 3 containers of ammunition and a number of vehicles off the shores of Benghazi at around 03:00 according to its Facebook page. In an apparent maritime version of a double tap strike, the LNA further reported that other boats then tried to save the people

Summary

First published
March 18, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2017

Incident Code

LC064

LOCATION

راس لانوف, Ras Lanuf: Oil Port, Surt, Libya

An LNA airstrike allegedly killed two security guards at the oil port near Ras Lanuf. The airstrike was reportedly conducted in the evening. Libya Alkhabar reported: “Commander of the Petroleum Facilities Guard, Brigadier General Idris Bukhmadah, said in a statement from the city of Ras Lanuf that the Guard of Petroleum Facilities follows the National

Summary

First published
March 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

July 8, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-126

LOCATION

غريان, Gheryan, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Two civilians were killed in a NATO airstrike on Gheryan, accoring to NPR. The outlet wrote: “About a block away from the gunfire at the demonstration, it was possible to talk with a shopkeeper without having a government minder present. He gave his name as Ismael and said he and his family have heard bombing

Summary

First published
July 12, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident date

September 14, 2018

Incident Code

LC089

LOCATION

كورى بوقودى, Kouri Bougoudi, Murzuq, Libya

Two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Chadian helicopter strike on an illegal gold mine in Kouri Bougoudi at the Libyan-Chadian border. Reuters wrote: “Chadian army helicopters killed two civilians in bombing runs over a gold mining town along the Libyan border, where government forces have clashed with a fledgeling rebel movement, a family

Summary

First published
September 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Chadian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2016

Incident Code

LC027

LOCATION

الهواري, Al-Hawary, Benghazi, Libya

The LNA posted a video of a helicopter squadron targeting alleged terrorists. The video depicts people caught in explosions, and vehicles and buildings suffering damage. However the combatant status of those hit is unclear.

Summary

First published
March 15, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

January 19, 2014

Incident Code

LC002

LOCATION

قويرة المال, Qweira al Mal, Sabha, Libya

Two children were reportedly killed in an air or artillery strike in Sabha in the south of Libya. A pro-Gaddafi page on Facebook identified the victims as the 14-year-old and a 17-years-old, and another victim at 14 years old, who lost his leg. It added that they were killed in the Hey al Hijara neighbourhood.

Summary

First published
January 19, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
General National Congress (GNC)
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 13, 2016

Incident Code

LC033

LOCATION

درنة‎, Derna, Darnah, Libya

According to local media reports, a father and his son were killed in an LNA airstrike south of Derna while driving in their car to go to the bank. Alwasat reported: “A medical source in the city of Derna confirmed that a man and his son were killed by Libyan air force shelling of a

Summary

First published
June 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 2, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-102

LOCATION

العزيزية‎ , Aziziya, Al Jafarah, Libya

Two police officers were reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Aziziya. Nima Elbagir said on Twitter: “Libya gov tell CNN latest Nato strike hit police station in Aziziya – west of Tripoli – killing 2 police officers. No comment yet from Nato” Free Libya Page only reported airstrikes around Tripoli but no civilian harm.

Summary

First published
June 2, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected target
Other
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2016

Incident Code

LC054

LOCATION

قنفودة, Benghazi, Libya

Up to two civilians died and as many as three more were wounded in an alleged UAE airstrike on a residential area in Ganfouda, Benghazi, local media reported. Alnabaa tweeted that “a source from Ganfouda said the two were killed in a foreign bombing of a family home in the area”. According to Emhona “a

Summary

First published
December 16, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2018

Incident Code

LC097

LOCATION

خلة الفرجان, Khallet Al Furjan, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was reported killed and another one was reported missing, probably due to indiscriminate artillery shelling in Tripoli. Alaraby wrote: “The clashes continued sporadically, southeast of the capital Tripoli, on Monday, amid the continued shelling on civilians, while the government of reconciliation is silent about the situation. The sounds of rockets and missiles, which

Summary

First published
September 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–21
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2016

Incident Code

LC044

LOCATION

Vicinity of Water Tower, Surt, Libya

According to several sources on Twitter, at least two civilians died in a US airstrike in the morning in Sirte, one of them a child. The sources did not give clear estimates on casualties, though the pictures show two people most likely dead. Two more injured children can be spotted in the images. One source

Summary

First published
October 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

January 5, 2015

Incident Code

LC013

LOCATION

درنة‎: ميناء درنه, Derna Port, Darnah, Libya

GNC planes allegedly bombed a Greek oil tanker killing a Greek engine cadet and a Romanian seaman on board, according to local media. Two Filipinos aboard were injured according to The Telegraph. Shorouk News reported a third person had been wounded. The Telegraph provided significant details on the event, reporting that a 29-year old Greek engine

Summary

First published
January 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Libyan National Army, General National Congress (GNC)
View Incident

Incident date

May 11, 2015

Incident Code

LC017

LOCATION

طبرق, Tobruk, Al Butnan, Libya

According to international and local sources, a Turkish ship was hit by both airstrikes and artillery shelling from the LNA. A deputy captain was reportedly killed in the attack, and another crew member injured. The incident took place 16km off the coast from Tobruk on the way to Derna. Al Jazeera quoted the second captain

Summary

First published
May 11, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2018

Incident Code

LC084

LOCATION

صلاح الدين, Salaheddin, Tarabulus, Libya

A single source, Amr Fathalla, reported on Twitter that one civilian was killed in artillery shelling in the Salaheddin neighbourhood of Tripoli. @AmrFatihalla listed Amer Faraj Ahmed, 60 years old, as dead as a result of indiscriminate shelling. In addition, Malik Amer Faraj, 18 years old, Saleh Ali al Fiel, 53 years old, and Juma

Summary

First published
August 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 14, 2017

Incident Code

LC068

LOCATION

درنة الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Darnah, Libya

The LNA reportedly bombed in the Al-Fatayih neighbourhood in Derna near the Faculty of Agriculture, resulting in the death of one six-month-old child. According to Libya Al Khabar, “A child from the eastern Libyan city of Derna died on Friday [April 14th] after falling into a coma after an airstrike close to his family’s home”. Libya

Summary

First published
April 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2015

Incident Code

LC016

LOCATION

درنة, Darnah, Libya

One child died in an alleged LNA airstrike on Darnah, according to local media. The Libya Observer reported: “A baby from the Al-Harir family was killed in a dignity operation airstrike in Darnah. The airstrike targeted the Shabia apartment buildings causing extensive damage to Musa Al-Harir’s apartment and destroying cars parked on the street below.”

Summary

First published
May 5, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 6, 2014

Incident Code

LC004a

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

According to many local sources, one child was reported killed in an alleged LNA airstrike on the Ganfouda neighbourhood of Benghazi. Alwasat wrote: The house of the brother of MP Amal Muhammad Baiou was shelled in the Ganfouda area, killing Hassan Salah Mohammed Baiou and the house completely collapsed. His family announced that the funeral

Summary

First published
August 6, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 4, 2017

Incident Code

LC067

LOCATION

الجفرة, Jufra air base, Al Jufrah, Libya

Various sources reported an LNA strike near Al-Jufra that allegedly killed a man and injured four Chadian citizens. However, the sources didn’t give information regarding whether the victims were civilians or not. According to Ali Salim, “there was one dead and four Chadian wounded following night air raids on Al Jufra base.” Ean Libya reported that

Summary

First published
April 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–4
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 belligerent
Libyan National Army
Suspected target
Al Qaeda In the Maghreb (AQIM)
View Incident

Incident date

July 12, 2016

Incident Code

LC036

LOCATION

درنة‎, Derna, Darnah, Libya

The LNA reported that it had struck Al Qaeda in the western part of Derna. Other sources said the steam station got damaged. One person on Twitter posted an image of a dead child but didn’t give any further details except for saying it was in Derna. The event could be discounted as the footage

Summary

First published
July 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2018

Incident Code

LC091

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli: Marble Factory, Tarabulus, Libya

Between one and three civilians were reported killed due to indiscriminate artillery shelling in the Al Sabaa neighbourhood of Tripoli. Libya Alaan wrote on Facebook that “a shell just has landed on a marble factory in the Al Sabaa area and killed one and injured three.” Libya 24 reported that the man was Sudanese and

Summary

First published
September 20, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
View Incident

Incident date

May 20, 2017

Incident Code

LC071

LOCATION

بين سوكنا وهون, Between Sokna and Hun, Al Jufrah, Libya

Various local sources reported that airstrikes hit numerous targets in the Jufra district, including a farm between Hun and Sokna, Jufra air base, the civil airport and Al-Bunyan al-Marsous headquarters. Some sources claimed the strikes were conducted by the UAE, while others said it was LNA. The number of strikes varies between ten and twelve.

Summary

First published
May 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerents
Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2017

Incident Code

LC065

LOCATION

راس لانوف, Ras Lanuf, Surt, Libya

Various local sources reported LNA airstrikes on the port area of Ras Lanuf supporting a ground offensive. Raialyoum reported that “a Libyan oil company guard was killed by a bomb attack on the Ras Lanuf area of the oil crescent in central Libya on Tuesday by retired general Khalifa Haftar.” The source added, “The site

Summary

First published
March 14, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

September 18, 2018

Incident Code

LC090

LOCATION

عين زارة, Ain Zara, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was reported killed in renewed militia clashes in the Ain Zara neighbourhood of Tripoli. Alnabaa TV posted on Twitter: “Spokesman for Ambulance and Emergency Department Osama Ali to #Alnabaa: One civilian killed in renewed #Tripoli clashes.” Other sources, such as the Libya Observer, also reported deaths but did not elaborate if they were

Summary

First published
September 18, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
0–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
7th Brigade, Government of National Accord
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2017

Incident Code

LC057

LOCATION

قاعدة الجفرة الجوية, Al Jufra Air Base, Al Jufrah, Libya

Various local and international sources reported that an LNA airstrike hit Al-Jufra airbase and a C-130 aircraft with a civil and military delegation from the Misurata Military Council. The strike allegedly killed one member of the delegation and wounded two others. One of the injured was named as Colonel Ibrahim Bayt Al-Mal, the spokesperson of

Summary

First published
January 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 20, 2015

Incident Code

LC018b

LOCATION

النوفلية, Nofaliya, Sirte, Libya

On Saturday, June 20, 2015, one civilian was reportedly killed in an alleged General National Congress/Libya Dawn airstrike on a power station in Nofaliya, in the Sirte district of Libya. Russeifa News reported in a post on Facebook that Libya Dawn military aircraft strikes the electricity building in the Nofaliya area, resulting the death of

Summary

First published
June 20, 2018
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 belligerent
General National Congress (GNC)
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Incident Code

LC075

LOCATION

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Al Kufrah, Libya

Two sources reported that the Egyptian Air Force destroyed six vehicles at the border with Egypt in the Kufra district. One of them claimed that it had loaded weapons and ammunition while another claimed it was a civilian car coming back from a fishing trip. Mansoura Today reported, for example, that “Yesterday, the air force

Summary

First published
October 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2015

Incident Code

LC014a

LOCATION

العسة, Al Assah, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

On Saturday, March 14, 2015, one man named Alaa Belkhair was reported killed and six people were injured in an alleged Libyan National Army airstrike on Al Assah near Zuwara, northwestern Libya. Zuwara News wrote on Facebook that “an aeroplane just hit the Al-Assah area and resulted in the death of one man from Misurata

Summary

First published
March 14, 2015
Last updated
June 27, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
6
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 belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 3, 2017

Incident Code

LC062

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi: Ganfouda 12 building complex, Benghazi, Libya

A woman reportedly died on March 5th after she sustained severe injuries from shrapnel after an airstrike on March 3rd from what was described as a foreign aircraft. The aircraft hit the 12 Buildings in Ganfouda approximately on March 3rd in support of the LNA campaign. Alnabaa reported: “On Sunday, one of the women trapped

Summary

First published
March 3, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2016

Incident Code

LC045

LOCATION

ميناء درنه, Derna Port, Darnah, Libya

One fisherman was killed and another injured when an airstrike hit their boat in the waters off Derna, according to local reports. Al Nabaa reported that one civilian was killed and another wounded in an LNA airstrike on the port of Derna. Al Nabaa later reported the dead man was a fisherman who was killed

Summary

First published
October 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 26, 2015

Incident Code

LC018

LOCATION

ميناء سرت, Port of Sirte, Surt, Libya

One civilian died and up to four others wounded in two alleged LNA airstrikes on an oil tanker off the coast of Sirte, local media reported. The casualties – all crew members, two of whom were hospitalised – reportedly occurred as the tanker was set on fire. According to Japan Times, “The Anwaar Afriqya, a

Summary

First published
May 26, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident