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

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

November 22, 2017

Incident Code

LQ061

LOCATION

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

Various sources reported Egyptian airstrikes destroying 10 vehicles allegedly loaded with ammunition and weapons at the Libyan side of the border. “‘The air force has dealt a new blow to smugglers and infiltrators across the border,’ preventing them from bringing weapons and ammunition into Egypt, army spokesman Tamer al-Refai said in a statement posted on

Summary

First published
November 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2016

Incident Code

LQ023

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Leithi, Benghazi, Libya

LNA reported that it carried out intensive airstrikes against ISIS targets in the Sabri, Bouatni, Al-Leithi, Hawari and Qawarsheh areas of Benghazi. However, despite the intensive attacks there were no known local reports of civilian harm.

Summary

First published
January 31, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

March 29, 2015

Incident Code

LC015a

LOCATION

زوارة, Zuwara, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

Two civilians were reported injured as a result of alleged LNA airstrikes in Zuwara. Abdo Kablan posted on Twitter that LNA planes bombed “Zuwara and Gharyan, thank god there are no dead but two wounded in the city of Zuwara.” Other sources reported LNA airstrikes in the area but no civilian harm.

Summary

First published
March 29, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

September 29, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-186

LOCATION

سرت, Sirte, Surt, Libya

A father and his daughter were killed by a NATO strike in Sirte in September 29th 2011. NATO on that day reported hitting “1 ammunition storage area, 1 multi rocket launcher area.” There is currently no further information available

Summary

First published
September 29, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 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.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-041

LOCATION

مصراتة‎, Misrata, Libya

On March March 19th 2011, forces loyal to Gaddafi bombed the town of Misurata with either airstrikes or artillery shelling, which resulted to up to 50 civilians killed and 84 wounded. Al Bayan reported that 25 people were killed and 70 wounded during the bombing by the Libyan leader’s forces in the city of Misurata, which

Summary

First published
March 19, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
25 – 50
Civilians reported injured
70–84
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
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-016

LOCATION

فشلوم و تاجوراء, Fashloum and Tajoura, Tarabulus, Libya

On February 20th and 21st 2011, Gaddafi forces launched artillery and airstrikes on Tripoli, injuring dozens and killing over 200, according to local claims. Agence France Presse quoted witnesses reporting massacres in the neighbourhoods of Fashalom and Tajoura. Other eyewitnesses reported helicopter bombings in the Souq al-Jumaa area. A video showed helicopters over the skies

Summary

First published
February 20, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
150 – 700
Civilians reported injured
12–36
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
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-013

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

On February 19th, 2011, up to 120 civilians were killed and 100 injured as a result of protests in Benghazi by Gaddafi security forces, who fired live rounds as a result of clashes. Amnesty and Wiki news confirmed the casualties, alongside two mentions in the UN commission report. Wiki news reports “Thousands of people went

Summary

First published
February 19, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 120
Civilians reported injured
100
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

September 10, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-160

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

Dozens of people (between 24 to 36) people were killed in Benghazi on September 10, 2011 when they were demonstrating their support of Bani Walid according to a Facebook posts from Ahmed Azzawi Mahmoud and Fedayeen Muammar Gaddafi in southern Tunisia

Summary

First published
September 10, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
24 – 36
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
Libyan rebel forces
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

LQ052

LOCATION

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

Egyptian airstrikes targeted 15 vehicles reportedly loaded with weapons near the border with Libya as they attempted to enter Egypt. According to Egyptian military sources cited by Libya’s Channel, “Egyptian armed forces have carried out military operations during the twenty-four last hour, building intelligence information, according to the gathering of a number of criminal elements

Summary

First published
July 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Egyptian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2016

Incident Code

LC034

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

According to the LNA Facebook page, a MiG-23 hit two targets in Ganfouda. A MiG-21 also hit two targets near the Nairouz resort. A Mi-17 team also reportedly targeted Qawarsheh and two boats near the Nairouz resort that were unloading ammunition and personnel. A single Twitter source claimed that a ‘foreign aircraft’ had bombed a civilian

Summary

First published
June 26, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2015

Incident Code

LQ015

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Leithi, Benghazi, Libya

Various social media sources reported airstrikes in the Bouatni, Leithi and Al-Nahr areas of Benghazi in response to artillery shelling by alleged ISIS members. One source – @hamza27990139 – claimed an apartment building was hit but didn’t say if there was civilian harm. They said that “the Libyan airforce bombed an ISIS position in an apartment building”.

Summary

First published
October 12, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-042

LOCATION

البوابة الرشقية ألجدابيا, Ajdabiya’s eastern gate, Al Wahat, Libya

Two civilians were killed by Gaddafi forces artillery shelling in Ajdabiya, according to an Amnesty International report. The investigation noted: “Among [those killed] were 67-year old Miftah al-Tarhouni, and his 36-year-old son Mohammad, who were killed on 20 March near Ajdabiya’s eastern gate when their car was hit by a projectile – seemingly a rocket

Summary

First published
March 20, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Artillery
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 target
Other
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-214

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya

One man was allegedly injured by a NATO airstrike while travelling in his car in Misurata. Surt son posted two videos on Youtube of the young man telling his story how he was hit. In the videos he appears severely injured and burned. There is currently no further information available.

Summary

First published
November 1, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerent
NATO forces
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-083

LOCATION

مصراتة, MIsrata, Misrata, Libya

On April 30th, 2011, Gaddafi forces shelling of Misrata led to the reported killing of two people and left 17 others injured. According to Al Jazeera, “A number of Libyan civilians and rebels were killed and wounded as a result of the continued bombardment by Gaddafi Brigades of the city of Misurata with rockets and

Summary

First published
April 30, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4–6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected targets
Libyan rebel forces, Other
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
Belligerents reported injured
0–17
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-127

LOCATION

مصراتة, Misrata, Libya

On July 19th, 2011, Gaddafi forces fired five Grad missiles on Misurata, reported to have killed one and wounded 20 others. It was unclear whether the casualties were belligerents or civilians. A Facebook post from Malek Algasier stated “The outcome of today’s clashes in Misurata, one martyr [Muhammad Sa`id Ihmida] and twenty wounded.” Multiple sources

Summary

First published
July 19, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
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 belligerent
Libyan rebel forces
Suspected target
Libyan rebel forces
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
0–1
Belligerents reported injured
0–20
View Incident

Incident date

March 31, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-056

LOCATION

دوار بين كرزاز و كوبري اقزير, Roundabout between Kerzaz and Askir Bridge , Misrata, Libya

On March 31st, 2011 between six and seven civilians were killed on the roundabout between the Karzaz neighborhood and Igzir bridge in Misrata by Gaddafi forces. Two civilians were children, seven year old Amma ‘Adel al-Asta and 18 month old Ru’a ‘Adel al-Asta. An Amnesty report and Facebook posts report on the deaths, with another

Summary

First published
March 31, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 16, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-216

LOCATION

تاورغاء, Tawergha, Misrata, Libya

One man died after being severely beaten while being held in custody by the Independence Brigade rebels in Tawrga’a on November 16, 2011 according to UN Report Source Page 82. According to another man that was detained with him and was released, the man was beaten until he lost consciousness for nearly two days. He

Summary

First published
November 16, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2018

Incident Code

LC081

LOCATION

الفتايح, Al Fatayah, Darnah, Libya

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

Summary

First published
May 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerents
Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military
View Incident

Incident date

April 30, 2017

Incident Code

LQ044

LOCATION

درنة‎, Derna, Darnah, Libya

According to several local sources, an LNA plane targeted the Al-Fatayih area, causing damage to a building but not leading to any human losses or injuries, according to Libya Akhbar: “Sources added that the shelling caused damage to a house in the area without causing casualties. For its part, said the official page of “Operation

Summary

First published
April 30, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

October 28, 2016

Incident Code

LQ037

LOCATION

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya

Libya’s Channel and Libya Akhbar reported on October 28th that ISIS was using civilians as human shields and that the evacuation of civilians was causing delay to the GNA campaign. The outlets both referred to Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous spokesman Rida Issa: “A member of the media centre of the Chamber of Operation, Rida Issa, said that

Summary

First published
October 28, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, US Forces
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2014

Incident Code

LC003

LOCATION

قسم الهندسة الميكانيكية, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Benghazi, Libya

One or three civilians were wounded in three alleged LNA airstrikes in Benghazi, local media reported. Sources reported that strikes hit the following locations: Palace of the Crown in the Garyounis area. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering – previously called the Naji Infunas Comprehensive Institute. The February 17 camp in Qawarsheh GNA 204 battalion in Al

Summary

First published
June 1, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

September 7, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-159

LOCATION

ابالحنيوة, Al Haniyah, Surt, Libya

One child was reported killed by a NATO or Rebel forces airstrike on the Al Haniyeh neighbourhood of Sirte. Nour Al Din Nasser Al Zanki said that “he suffered full body and face burns, cut wounds to the right leg, and amputation of a toe on the right foot. He died several days later.” Sirte

Summary

First published
September 7, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 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 belligerents
NATO forces, Libyan rebel forces
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-183

LOCATION

الحي رقم 2 في مدينة سرت, neighborhood number 2, Surt, Libya

One source reported that two children were killed by a NATO strike in neighbourhood two in Sirte, in September 26th 2011. NATO on that day reported hitting “1 ammunition/vehicle storage facility” in the vicinity of Sirte. There is currently no further information available.

Summary

First published
September 26, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Known belligerent
NATO forces
Known target
Gaddafi forces
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 12, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-108

LOCATION

الزنتان, Al Zintan, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

Nine civilians were allegedly killed by Gaddafi forces artillery shelling of Zintan. Al Jazeera noted at the time: “On his part, a spokesman for the rebels said on Monday that nine people were killed and more than forty others were wounded on Sunday when forces loyal to Gaddafi bombed the town of Zintan, held by

Summary

First published
June 12, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
40
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 targets
Libyan rebel forces, Other, Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 15, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-002

LOCATION

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Libya

On February 16th, between 6:30 and 7:45 PM local time, multiple sources reported one death and multiple injuries in Benghazi after the breakup by security forces of a sit-in. The reported death was of Khaled al-Naji ‘Abderrazeq Khanfar, a 22 year old student who was shot by Gaddafi security forces. Amnesty quotes the father of

Summary

First published
February 15, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
14–38
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 belligerent
Gaddafi Forces
Suspected target
Other
View Incident