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

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

April 19, 2019

Incident Code

LC120

LOCATION

مدرسة تحرير ليبيا, Tahrer School, Tarabulus, Libya

One child was reportedly killed by indiscriminate artillery shelling on Qasr Bin Gashir. Riyadh Burshan said that Teqwa Abu Bakr Awn died after a shell landed in Qasr Bin Gashir. Libyan News said it was near the School of Liberation. Other sources published similar reports. According to local sources, GNA and LNA were fighting in

Summary

First published
April 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 15, 2019

Incident Code

LC164

LOCATION

مسجد الكحيلي, Kahily Mosque, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was reported killed in an LNA airstrike on Ain Zara. Tripoli Al Izz wrote: “The death of the young Karim Qashout, born in 1997, one of the staff of the coast of sweets after the bombing of his house in Ain Zara.” February TV said: “One person was killed and members of his

Summary

First published
July 15, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
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

June 18, 2019

Incident Code

LC154

LOCATION

غريان, Gharyan, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

A single source reported that one civilian was killed in a “criminal attack” on an aid convoy in Gheryan, Jabal al Gharbi, on June 18th. According to the source, 218 TV, “a relief convoy carrying food and medicines from the interim government to the western region has been under criminal attack south of the city

Summary

First published
June 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
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
Government of National Accord
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

May 28, 2019

Incident Code

LC146

LOCATION

الطويشة, Altwaisha, Tarabulus, Libya

One woman was allegedly killed by GNA shelling on Altwaisha in Qasr Bin Gashir. Tarhuna 24 reported: “The death of Dhuhibs Alus – the wife of Mohammed Khalil al-Hakimi was killed by the fall of shells on their home in the area of Hakeimeh in Altwaisha.” Hona Sog Al-Khmies published a similiar account: “The death

Summary

First published
May 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
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 belligerent
Government of National Accord
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 20, 2019

Incident Code

LC122

LOCATION

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tarabulus, Libya

One man was reportedly killed by indiscrimiante shelling on Tajoura. Libyan News Network said that “Abu Bakr al-Ghoriani from the Wadi al Rabie neighborhood” was killed “after being hit by shrapnel.” Local reports of fighting point at the GNA or LNA as the perpetrator of the shelling.

Summary

First published
April 20, 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, 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

April 12, 2019

Incident Code

LC112

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

Othman Mesbah Akak was reportedly killed by indiscriminate artillery shelling on Qasr Bin Gashir. Riyadh Burshan said that the died from a shell falling on his house. Local reporting points at the GNA or the LNA as the perpetrator of the shelling.

Summary

First published
April 12, 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, Libyan National Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 27, 2019

Incident Code

LC187

LOCATION

العزيزية‎, Aziziya, Al Jafarah, Libya

One civilian was reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike on Aziziya. Libya Alahrar TV wrote that one person was injured in the attack. The Libya Observer said: “Breaking News: A drone belonging to warlord Khalifa Haftar destroys an ambulance for the field hospital in Aziziya region, south Tripoli, killing its driver.” Hona Souq Al-Khmies reported

Summary

First published
August 27, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
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

March 30, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-055

LOCATION

خوروم, Khorum, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

A toddler, the 18-months old Sirajuddin al-Sweisi, was reportedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Brega. The Boston News wrote: “Nizha Abdel-Salam and her family say her 18-month old son Sirajuddin al-Sweisi was killed when debris pierced the wall of their home as NATO airstrikes hit an ammunition [dump] near their village of Khorum early

Summary

First published
March 30, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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
NATO forces
Suspected target
Gaddafi forces
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

May 8, 2019

Incident Code

LC136

LOCATION

جسر الزهراء, Al Zahra Bridge, Tarabulus, Libya

One man was reportedly killed by an LNA airstrike on Janzur. Tk Yahrog Kl Shy 2 posted on Facebook: “In the morning the families returns to the area of Al-Zahra bridge safely. They were hit by a bombardment by Al-Karama forces and four rockets landed on the houses and farms of the Al-Marbouk family. The

Summary

First published
May 8, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
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

Incident date

April 28, 2019

Incident Code

LC130

LOCATION

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

One child was allegedly killed in a GNA airstrike on Sog Al-Khmies Emsihel. Tripoli Operations Room said: “God bless you Nour Ahmad Al-Hibishi – This image of Jannah Ahmad Al-Hibishi her sister healing the injury by bombing of the Ecuadorian pilot mercenary today.” Tripoli Alaan said: “This girl is one of the victims of the

Summary

First published
April 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
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 10, 2019

Incident Code

LC179

LOCATION

السدادة, As Saddadah, Misrata, Libya

One civilian was killed and five more allegedly injured in an LNA airstrike on As Saddadah. Libya Alahrar TV reported: “One person is killed and 5 others were injured near the great man-made river south of As Saddadah due to the bombing of Hafter Air Force on the administrative headquarters of the company.” In another

Summary

First published
August 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

August 12, 2016

Incident Code

LC039a

LOCATION

بالقرب مدرسة خليج التحدي, Vicinity of Gulf Challenge School, Surt, Libya

Various sources reported the death of Mohammed al-Qadhafi as a result of a US airstrike on his family home in Sirte. Tek burns everything said on Facebook: “Mohammed al-Qadhafi, from Farajan of the family of Alwasa name of his mother, Haniyeh Faraj, lives in outside the planned district next to the Gulf Challenge School. Today,

Summary

First published
August 12, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
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
US Forces
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 26, 2019

Incident Code

LC185a

LOCATION

الكليبة , Kalipa, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya

One civilian was reportedly killed by mortar shelling in Kalipa. Tk Yahrouq Kl shy said: “A mortar falls on the house of Moftah Salem Taroum in Kalipa area which led to his death (he is father to 6 children).” The same source also posted a video showing the bodies of various people, possibly also militants

Summary

First published
August 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 8, 2016

Incident Code

LC053

LOCATION

الجيزة, Giza, Surt, Libya

Various local sources reported that Hanan bin Sirteya Gaddafi, a dermatologist from Sirte, was killed in an airstrike in a house in the Giza district in Sirte. Alwasat and Rihab News claimed that she and her husband, Osama Shuaib Zayani, joined ISIS once it took over Sirte and that she leaves behind two children. Zayani

Summary

First published
December 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2016

Incident Code

LC025

LOCATION

جارف, Jarf, Surt, Libya

One man died and his son and another man were wounded in an airstrike on the village of Jarf, local media reported. Multiple sources, including Ewan Libya, named the fatality as Muhammad Hessar Amouri, adding that his son Abu-Shiba Abdulrahman Abustah was wounded, as was a third man, named as Omran Zerouq Khattari. According to @AbuzeidSultan, the Muhammad Hessar

Summary

First published
March 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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
Unknown
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC100

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli: Airport area, Tarabulus, Libya

The death of Mahmud Al Temzini was reported as a result from renewed militia shelling in the south of Tripoli. Abu Salim Media reported: “A shell fell on a farm near Tripoli airport and led to the death of the civilian Mahmud al-Tamziti.” Libya Now mentioned he was the father of three children. Haithem H

Summary

First published
January 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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

Incident date

April 28, 2019

Incident Code

LC131

LOCATION

عين زارة, Ain Zara, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was allegedly killed following an LNA airstrike on Ain Zara. Libya Alahrar TV reported: “Civilian neighborhoods in Salaheddin and Ain Zara were hit by aerial bombardment of night air for the second consecutive day. The spokesman for the ambulance and emergency department, Osama Ali, told the Free Libya Channel that the aerial bombardment

Summary

First published
April 28, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2016

Incident Code

LC038

LOCATION

قنفودة, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

An elderly man was reportedly killed in an LNA airstrike in Ganfouda, according to Emhona who reported the event on Twitter. He didn’t provide any further details. The LNA itself reported that its MiG-21 and a MiG-23 targeted the Shura Council in Ganfouda which reported five of its fighters died in an official statement on

Summary

First published
August 5, 2016
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

January 19, 2019

Incident Code

LC101

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

The journalist Mohamed Ben Khalifa was reportedly killed in indiscriminate artillery shelling while covering militia clashes in the south of Tripoli. Reuters reported that “Mohamed Ben Khalifa died of a random shell in the Libyan capital while covering the clashes.” Al Jazeera added: “Ben Khalifa died while accompanying a militia patrolling the Qaser Bin Ghashir

Summary

First published
January 19, 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