Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
Libya
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

LC075

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Location

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Kufra, Libya

Geolocation

23.497265, 22.112335 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 destroyed six-wheel-drive vehicles loaded with ammunition and weapons as it penetrated our western border.”

But Libya Today TV instead claimed that “An unknown warplane bombarded a civilian vehicle near Kufra during a fishing trip.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Libyan-Egyptian border of the Al Kufra (الكفرة) subdistrict. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Kufra are: 23.497265, 22.112335.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Libyan-Egyptian border of the Al Kufra (الكفرة) subdistrict.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Egyptian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC074

Incident date

October 30, 2017

Location

الفتايح, Al Fatayeh, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

32.733611, 22.645278 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the first significant civilian casualty report in several months, various sources said that between 12 and 18 civilians were killed in an airstrike in Al-Fatayih – among them up to eight children and five women. In addition, 25 to 30 people were reported injured in the strike. Most sources claim Egypt was responsible for the attack, while a few also blamed the LNA.

Al Jazeera reported that thousands of residents of Derna paid their respects to the victims of airstrikes that it said were carried out by Egypt – killing 14 and injuring at least 25 more. Photographs showed the gathering and bodies wrapped in coffins. Libya Observer reported the same death and injury totals. The outlet reported that the local Shura Council blamed Egypt, which was backing the LNA as it besieged Derna. The Observer published extremely graphic photographs showing dead children, their bodies split open and covered in dust.

Other reports put the death toll lower. @Libyen_Insider reported that at least 12 were killed, including 5 women and 7 children.
@RassdNewsR reported a total of 17 were killed – mostly women and children – and cited reports blaming the LNA and Egypt. Libya 24 put the death toll at 18, including 8 women.

The UN mission in the country meanwhile reported that at least 12 children and women were killed, along with three male adults. The mission said that four children remained injured.

According to Hathalyoum, the Egyptian Foreign Minister later condemned the bombings and ordered an investigation into the incident.

In November, Alnabaa TV claimed that the UAE was responsible for the attack citing The New Arab. However, the original source can no longer be found.

News English reported 15 people were injured in the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 18
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Egyptian Military, United Arab Emirates Military, Libyan National Army

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • News English shows the aftermath of the airstrike
  • CGTN interviews various officials on the airstrike
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Fatayeh (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

Egyptian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Egyptian Military
  • Egyptian Military 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

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
    12 – 18
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–30
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Egyptian Military, United Arab Emirates Military, Libyan National Army

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ059

Incident date

October 23, 2017

Location

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Libya

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Egyptian planes destroyed a convoy of eight cars before it crossed the border from Libya. Reportedly the cars were loaded with weapons and belonged to an unknown extremist militia.

Al Hayat reported the following: “Army spokesman Colonel Tamer al-Rifai said that  Egyptian forces are conducting sweeps and raiding to the mountains and mountainous areas to track the terrorist elements executing attacks in the oases area, in conjunction with continuing efforts to protect the state borders in all strategic directions. He explained that the air force thwarted a new attempt to penetrate the western border, and resulted in the destruction of eight SUVs loaded with quantities of weapons and ammunition and high explosives, and the elimination of terrorist elements inside.”

There were no known public reports of civilian harm during the event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Egyptian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ058

Incident date

October 1, 2017

Location

درنة‎, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A boat carrying ammunition was possibly among the targets hit by airstrikes in Derna, according to local reports.

24/24 reported strike targeting a convoy of militants in “the southern axis” of Derna city.
Annona3 reported aircraft targeted “ammunition boats,” and suggested Egypt might have been responsible.

Another report on Twitter, posted by TanasuhTV, said that a “foreign airliner” had entered Libyan airspace and was flying over Derna.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Egyptian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ057

Incident date

September 28, 2017

Location

الحدود الليبية المصرية, Libyan-Egyptian border, Libya

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Egyptian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ056

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Location

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

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Egyptian warplanes targeted nine SUVs that were claimed to be carrying weapons and explosives at the Libyan border.

On its own Facebook page, the Egyptian military noted that “Today 21 August 2017 … the Egyptian Air Force destroyed 9 cars with arms, ammunition and explosives on the western border with Libya.”

There are no known public reports of civilian harm.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Egyptian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Egyptian Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ055

Incident date

August 8, 2017

Location

درنة‎, port, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

32.763333, 22.654722 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The LNA reportedly targeted a boat off the coast of Derna which it said was transporting fighters and weapons to the Shura Council.

According to the faction, the boat “carried terrorists, ammunition and weapons to terrorist gangs in the city of Derna.”
The fate of any civilian crew on board the vessel is presently unknown.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Libyan National Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Libyan National Army
  • Libyan National Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ054

Incident date

August 1, 2017

Location

درنة, Dhar al-Hamr, Derna, Libya

Geolocation

32.730556, 22.605556 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Airstrikes hit residential homes in Derna, according to a local report.

Libya 24 reported that the LNA bombed in the vicinity of Kasarah in Derna, striking houses belonging to the Burebihah family.

The report did not mention whether civilians were inside at the time of the strike, or whether there were any casualties.

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 (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 (1) [ collapse]