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

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

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

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

August 5, 2019

Incident Code

LC178

LOCATION

اربع شوارع الحافلة المحروقة, Vicinity of the Burnt Bus Junction, Surt, Libya

Two civilians were allegedly killed in a Turkish airstrike near Sirte. Lana News wrote: “Two people were killed and a child was wounded by a Turkish warplane that supported the Al-Wifaq militia, which targeted a Sirte truck and another civilian vehicle near the city of Sirte. Medical sources at Ibn Sina hospital in Sirte said

Summary

First published
August 5, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
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
Turkish Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 1, 2019

Incident Code

LC157

LOCATION

الهضبة, Al Hadba, Tarabulus, Libya

Two civilians were reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike on the Al Hadba neighbourhood of Tripoli. February TV said: “Haftar planes targeted the homes of civilians in Al Hadba, which led to the death of a child and her father and injured two members of her family today in Tripoli.” Libya Alahrar TV claimed four

Summary

First published
July 1, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
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
Named victims
1 named
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

April 14, 2019

Incident Code

LC114

LOCATION

سوق الخميس امسيحل, Sog Al Khmies Emsihel, Tarabulus, Libya

A mother and her daughter were allegedly killed by a GNA airstrike on Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel. Libya TV showed footage of destroyed houses and said that Nadia and her daughter Samia were killed by bombing. Mohamed Baaio also reported that Nadia and her daughter were killed. News Central and Eastern Region added that various members

Summary

First published
April 14, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
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

July 3, 2019

Incident Code

LC159

LOCATION

سيدي السايح, Sidi as Sa'is, Tarabulus, Libya

Between two and five civilians were allegedly killed by a GNA airstrike on Sidi as Sa’is near Tripoli. Almarsad reported: “A doctor at the hospital of Tarhuna confirmed the death of two young men and the injury of two others and a family consisting of 4 children and their father seriously injured by the bombing

Summary

First published
July 3, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(0–1 children0–1 women2–3 men)
Civilians reported injured
4–6
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
Government of National Accord
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 30, 2018

Incident Code

LC085

LOCATION

طريق المشتل, Arboretum Way, Tarabulus, Libya

Two children were reported killed by local sources as a result of indiscriminate artillery shelling in Tripoli. Our Libya Choice posted on Twitter that “two children were killed after a shell landed on the house of the ben Ashour family near of the Arboretum triangle in the area of Ain Zara in the vicinity of

Summary

First published
August 30, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
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
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 9, 2017

Incident Code

LC060

LOCATION

قاعدة الجفرة الجوية, Jufra air base, Al Jufrah, Libya

The Libya Observer reported that LNA warplanes bombed the Al-Jufra airbase, “killing two and wounding 12.” It was not clear from the report if the victims were civilians or combatants.   EAN Libya reported that six people were killed and wounded, but again did not provide a breakdown. Libya News reported that two members of the

Summary

First published
February 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
6–14
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

January 3, 2015

Incident Code

LC012

LOCATION

ميناء السدرة, Port Sidra, Surt, Libya

Alwasat reported armed clashes around the port of Sidra between fighters guarding the oil ports and the LNA which were accompanied by three LNA airstrikes. Alfakhiri claimed on Twitter that two children were killed in the attack but didn’t add further details.

Summary

First published
January 3, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

July 7, 2019

Incident Code

LC160

LOCATION

خلة الفرجان, Khallet Al Furjan, Tarabulus, Libya

Two civilians were reportedly killed by LNA artillery shelling on the Khallet Al Furjan neighbourhood of Tripoli. February TV reported: “Bombardment of Haftar militia with Grad rockets on the area of Khallet Al Furjan kills a mother and her two-year-old daughter.” Ahmed Othman and other sources said the two victims belonged to the Al Burki

Summary

First published
July 7, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 child1 woman)
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

January 7, 2018

Incident Code

LC076

LOCATION

South of Sirte, Surt, Libya

Two decomposed bodies were found in a vehicle, reportedly victims of an earlier airstrike. Qnat Aljamahiriya reported that two decomposed bodies were found by camel breeders. The bodies were in a four-wheel drive video, which had evidently been targeted in the “desert southwest of Sirte.” Based on the report, it appeared the men had died

Summary

First published
January 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
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

May 5, 2019

Incident Code

LC134

LOCATION

سيدي السايح, Sidi as Sa'is, Tarabulus, Libya

Between one and two children were allegedly killed in a GNA airstrike on Sidi as Sa’is. Tripoli el Ezz reported “the death of a child from the Ashour family as a result of the bombing of a plane from Misurata.” Arseefa said: “The children Mutasim Ashour Ali Sayeh, 6 years old, and Ali Ashour Ali

Summary

First published
May 5, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
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
Government of National Accord
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
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

April 19, 2019

Incident Code

LC119

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

One child allegedly died from indiscriminate artillery shelling on Qasr Bin Gashir near Tripoli. Mohamed Al Terhouni posted on Facebook: “Today my wife’s cousin, Radwan Milad Attiya, died because of a mortar shell. My wife’s brother and his cousin were slightly injured.” Mohammed A Alhise said that the two injured were both cousin’s of Attiya.

Summary

First published
April 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
Government of National Accord, Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2019

Incident Code

LC163

LOCATION

طرابلس‎: شيل خنورة, Tripoli: Shell Khanoura petrol station, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was allegedly killed in a Turkish airstrike on Tripoli. Almanara wrote that LNA forces were being shelled with heavy artillery in the area. TD.Tarhuna said two houses were destroyed by a Turkish aircraft but did not mention civilian harm. Tarhuna 24 reported: “A military aircraft bombing the home of the Aoun family next

Summary

First published
July 14, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 25, 2019

Incident Code

LC125

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير: مصحة العافية, Qasr Bin Gashir: Al Afia Clinic, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was reported killed in Qasr Bin Gashir as a result of indiscriminate artillery shelling. Riyadh Burshan said the civilian was killed in front of the Al Afia clinic. As Qasr Bin Gashir was under LNA control at the time of the incident, shelling by GNA forces seems likely.

Summary

First published
April 25, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Artillery
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
Government of National Accord
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2019

Incident Code

LC174

LOCATION

سوق الجمعة , Souq Al Jumaa, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was reportedly killed in an LNA artillery strike on the Souq Al Jumaa neighbourhood of Tripoli. Libya Alahrar TV reported: “One person was killed by a Grad rocket attack on a residential neighborhood in the Souq Al Jumaa area in Tripoli.” An Amnesty International investigation later found: “Anwar Mabrouk Mlitan, a 50-year-old carpenter

Summary

First published
July 29, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
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

January 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC100a

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

Mahmoud Shalbik, a 23-year-old university student from Tripoli, was reportedly killed during armed clashes in the Libyan capital. While most sources reported he was killed by stray bullet, UNSMIL said the “student at the University of Tripoli, Faculty of Economics, was killed at his home as result of incriminate shelling.” Abdulrahman Ghummied stated on Twitter:

Summary

First published
January 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
1 named
View Incident