Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
Libya
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Incident Code

LC080

Incident date

May 15, 2018

Location

الكفرة, Kufra, Libya

Geolocation

24.186944, 23.268056 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three Eritrean citizens were reportedly killed in an airstrike in Kufra city and eight more Eritrean asylum seekers wounded in an airstrike in Kufra city near Abdulmalik mountain close to the Egyptian border, according to Vincent Cochetel, Special Envoy of the UNHCR for the Central Mediterranean situation.

Jamal Adel said on Twitter the strike was presumably conducted by Egypt.

Libya’s Channel reported on the incident and showed footage of the victims being treated at the hospital: “The immigration office in Kufra has received a report of an airstrike in the evening in the West of the city targeting a vehicle that was loaded with immigrants from different nations. They have been taken to the city hospital to be treated with the help of the Libyan Red Crescent al Kufra branch who provide the medical treatment, medicine and other humanitarian assistance.” It further quoted the Red Crescent: “We received a call from the hospital that eight people were severely injured. We are unable to treat them here due to the lack of facilities. This sort of injuries require advanced equipment and a specialist team.”

Libya’s Channel published a similar report in writing on their website of which various outlets published carbon copies.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    8
  • 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
    Egyptian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Kufra (الكفرة), for which the generic coordinates are: 24.186944, 23.268056. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    8
  • 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
    Egyptian Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ066

Incident date

May 18, 2018

Location

درنة, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

32.75591, 22.637772 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Various local sources reported joint airstrikes by the LNA and an unknown pro-LNA actor on Derna.

Alnabaa TV reported: “The correspondent added, Friday, that a random shell fell on the central district of the city, causing damage to buildings without causing civilian harm.”

Libya 24 TV reported that an ammunition store was destroyed in the strikes.

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 attackers
    Unknown, Libyan National Army

Sources (4) [ collapse]

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
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Unknown, Libyan National Army

Sources (4) [ 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]

Incident Code

LQ067

Incident date

June 3, 2018

Location

أم الأرانب, Umm Al Aranib, Murzuq, Libya

Geolocation

26.143495, 14.734898 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Tebu Channel reported indiscriminate LNA shelling of a residential neighbourhood in Umm al Aranib without civilian harm: “[…] and shelled into residential neighbourhoods but no human damage, not reported by the media on the grounds that the bombing targeted rallies of the Chadian opposition, media liar.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC082

Incident date

June 6, 2018

Location

شميخ, Shumaykh, Misurata, Libya

Geolocation

31.435742498574424, 13.958174302831182 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

AFRICOM reported that it conducted a precision strike on ISIS near Bani Walid. While the US itself said that 4 members of the organisation were killed in the attack, including senior member Abdul-Ati Eshtewi, on a vehicle, local sources reported that three of the people in the car were actually civilians.

Alrseefa reported: “Reconciliation in Tripoli is a violation of human rights and the fate of the Libyan citizen, where the operation resulted in the killing of three innocent citizens have nothing to do with ISIS, […] note that these young people:

Matouq Saad Milad Yaga
Mohammed Wanis Abusta
Selim Mohammed Al-Drouei

do not carry any radical thought.”

Marsad reported: “The same source told Al-Marsad that Eshtewi was killed by the raid in the Wadi al-Baqayla area west of the Shamikh area, referring to the killing of three young men with relatives who are not belonging to ISIS calling during their presence in the same car targeted by the bombing by an unknown aircraft.

Libya Observer reported: “Meanwhile, a source from Bani Walid confirmed to The Libya Observer that three civilians and one ISIS fugitive – all from Bani Walid – were killed in the airstrike.” It added: “‘Eshtewi and his three relatives haven’t seen each other for a long time, so Eshtewi contacted them using Thuraya phone to have Ramadan Iftar with them in Eshmikh, some 35 km south of Bani Walid town.’ The source said. The three civilians were identified as Matouq Milad, Mohammed Abu Sittah and Salim Daroue.”

While AFRICOM only reported the strike was conducted near Bani Walid, local sources said it was in Shumaykh, 35km south of Bani Walid.

On June 20th AFRICOM published a statement on the civilian harm allegation saying: “In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), U.S. forces conducted a precision airstrike near Bani Walid, Libya, on June 6, killing four (4) ISIS-Libya militants, as previously released.

Following reports alleging civilian casualties resulting from this operation, U.S. Africa Command performed a thorough review and determined the allegations of civilian casualties to be not credible.

As with any allegation of civilian casualties, U.S. Africa Command reviewed all available relevant information concerning the incident.

The command complies with the law of armed conflict and takes all feasible precautions to minimise civilian casualties and other collateral damage.”

In its June 2018 report, UNSMIL reported: “On 5 June, three civilians were killed in an airstrike claimed by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) near Beni Walid. The three were riding in a vehicle with a member of a UN-designated terrorist group when hit.”

Jana reported that the Bani Walid Municipal Council demanded an investigation into the case and “was waiting for an official apology for the unjustified killing.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Matouq Saad Milad Yaga
Adult male Via Libya 24 killed
Mohammed Wanis Abusta
Adult male Via Libya 24 killed
Selim Mohammed Al-Drouei
Adult male Via Libya 24 killed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Footage of the destroyed vehicle
  • Images of those reportedly killed in the strike (Al Marsad)
  • Abdul-Ati Eshtewi in 2014 (via Al Marsad)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Shumaykh (شميخ). The coordinates for Shumaykh are: 31.435742498574424, 13.958174302831182.

Unknown Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC083

Incident date

June 16, 2018

Location

عيادة رأس لانوف, Ras Lanuf: Clinic, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

30.582052, 18.418542 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several civilians were reported dead and injured as a result of an LNA airstrike on the residential house of the Kalki family in Ras Lanuf.

According to Alnabaa, two children were killed and their mother, father and brother injured.

Kaiser Megrahi reported two women dead and posted images of the airstrike.

Libya Observer reported three women were dead and two children wounded.

ABC 218 posted on Facebook: “And shrapnel hit the house of the Kalki family, resulting in the death of their daughter Fatima and injuring her mother seriously.”

Pencil reported the incident took place near the Ras Lanuf clinic and claimed it was the result of an explosive barrel dropped from a helicopter.

Al Qatus only reported minor injuries from the attack but did not elaborate.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Ras Lanuf Clinic (عيادة رأس لانوف), for which the coordinates are: 32.023611 20.039722. 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 type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC018b

Incident date

June 20, 2018

Location

النوفلية, Nofaliya, Sirte, Libya

Geolocation

30.77363, 17.83683 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported killed in an alleged GNC/Libya Dawn airstrike on Nofaliya.

Taher Abdullah Al Tourghi wrote on Facebook: “A military aircraft strikes the electricity building in the Nofaliya area, causing the death of Taher Abdullah Al-Tawergi.”

Sirte Gecol News reported that “On Saturday afternoon, the third day of Ramadan, a plane attacked the area of Nofaliya Valley and the bombing caused the death of Taher Abdullah Bashir Tawergi, a staff member of the General Electricity Company at his workplace.”

Other sources published similar reports.

Alrasifat News claimed that Libya Dawn conducted the strike.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Taher Abdullah Al-Tawergi
Adult male Via Werfelli Walid Facebook page killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Suspected attacker
    General National Congress (GNC)

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (10) [ collapse]

  • Translation: #Sirte Unknown Air Force Bombing the Electricity Building in Al-Nofliya area east of the city, which led to the death of Taher Abdullah Al-Tawergi (Source: Werfelli Walid Facebook page)
  • Translation: On the afternoon of Saturday, the third of Ramadan, a flight attacked the area of Neufleh Valley, the bombing led the killing of Mr. Taher Abdullah Bashir Tawergi, a member of the General Electricity Company at his workplace and the reason for the demolition of the maintenance building of the rapid electricity company and other neighbouring buildings (Source: Electricity company)
  • Another picture of the damage (Source: Electricity company)
  • Another picture of the damage (Source: Electricity company)
  • Another picture of the damage (Source: Electricity company)
  • Another picture of the damage (Source: Electricity company)
  • Another picture of the damage (Source: Electricity company)
  • Another picture of the damage (Source: Electricity company)
  • Another picture of the damage (Source: Electricity company)
  • Remant of allegedly used bomb (Source: Electricity company)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the town of Nofaliya (النوفلية). By analysing photos from sources we eventually narrowed it down an exact location for which the coordinates are: 30.773635, 17.836839

  • Reports of the incident mention the town of Nofaliya (النوفلية). Analysing photos from sources we eventually narrowed it down an exact location.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Panoramic stitch of footage from the incident.

    Imagery:
    ALRSEEFA.NET

  • Panoramic stitch of footage from the incident.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

General National Congress (GNC) Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    General National Congress (GNC)
  • General National Congress (GNC) position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Suspected attacker
    General National Congress (GNC)

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC084

Incident date

August 27, 2018

Location

صلاح الدين, Salaheddin, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.846389, 13.161667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 Amer Faraj, 11 years old, were reported injured from shrapnel. The source didn’t mention who was behind the shelling.

Another source, Atlas Assistance, however, said that the Nawasi Brigade, the ‘Ghneiwa’ Brigade and the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade (TRB), which all are under the GNA umbrella, as well as the rivalling 7th Brigade, also known a Kani Brigade from Tarhouna, shelled the area. According to the source, there were “dozens killed & injured today in armed clashes in the southern suburbs of Tripoli” but no civilian harm was specifically mentioned.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Amer Faraj Ahmed
60 years old male Via @AmrFatihalla killed
Malik Amer Faraj
18 years old male Via @AmrFatihalla injured
Saleh Ali al Fiel
53 years old male Via @AmrFatihalla injured
Juma Amer Faraj
11 years old male Via @AmrFatihalla injured

Summary

  • 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 attackers
    Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Amr Fathalla listing names of the civilians casualties resulting from the attack.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Salaheddin (صلاح الدين), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.846389, 13.161667. 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 Salaheddin (صلاح الدين).

    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
    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 attackers
    Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade

Sources (2) [ collapse]