Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
Libya
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Incident Code

Lib2011-153

Incident date

August 28, 2011

Location

ابوكماش, Abu Kammash, Nuqat al Khums, Libya

Geolocation

33.074325, 11.733057 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one man was killed by Zowara rebels after he was apprehended on August 28, 2011 in Abu Kammash according to the UN Report Source Page 80.

An unarmed man was apprehended from Riqdalin and was then forced to face a wall and was then shot.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Abu Kammash (أبو كماش), for which the generic coordinates are: 33.074325, 11.733057. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Summary

  • 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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC435

Incident date

May 28, 2023

Location

الماية, Al Maya, Al Zawiya, Libya

Airwars assessment

As many as seven civilians were injured by alleged airstrikes carried out by the Government of National Unity on a port in Al Maya the evening of May 28, 2023. Between two and five members of the Coast Guard/Stability Support Agency were also killed in the airstrikes.

A tweet from @rgowans reported that with the use of Turkish drones, the GNU conducted airstrike against the Libyan Coast Security base and port in Al Maya, resulting in destruction to 10 marine vessels and the death of five Coast Security officers, as well as an “unspecified” number injured. @wady_dynar provided the casualty toll that two young men were killed and seven others were wounded.

AFP identified at least two people killed and several others wounded in the port of Al Maya. MP Ali Abu Zariba posted on Facebook that “My nephew Mohamad Abu Zariba was hit in the raid on al-Maya” in addition to photos that circulated showing his nephew wounded in the hospital. Al Zawiya Al Hadath 24 added in a Facebook post that Mohamad is also the nephew of the Minister of Interior Issam Abu Zariba. Al Wasat News also named “Muhammad al-Fitouri” and “Abd al-Azim al-Hattab” from the Abu Surra region as being injured in the bombing.

A Facebook post from Tarhouna 24 named “Muhammad Al-Shteiwi” and “Sami Al-Qadiri,” two young men, as being killed in the airstrikes. @ObservatoryLY identified Muhammad as the “commander of the headquarters of the Stability Support Agency, al-Gharbia branch – al-Hashan” and Sami as “one of the members of the “55th Infantry Battalion” led by Muammar al-Dhawi.”

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad al-Fitouri
Age unknown injured
Abd al-Azim al-Hattab
Age unknown injured
Muhammad Adnan Abu Zariba
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    Government of National Accord
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–5

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @Lyobserver)
  • Screenshot of Facebook post by Al Zawiya Al Hadath 24
  • "Muhammad Al-Shteiwi" and "Sami Al-Qadiri," two young men identified as members of the tability Support Agency killed by alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by Tarhouna 24 via Facebook)
  • Screenshot of Facebook post by Tarhouna 24

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohamad Abu Zariba, nephew of MP Ali Abu Zariba who was injured by alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by Tarhouna 24 via Facebook)
  • Video: The moment a Turkish drone bombed the Maya port
  • Effects of air strikes on an armed boat used for human trafficking in the port of Maya.
  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @libyapress2010)
  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @libyapress2010)
  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @libyapress2010)
  • Footage of the port of Maya after the bombing by the drone
  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @abaadnews_ly)
  • Smoke from alleged GNU airstrikes on Al Maya port on May 28, 2023. (Image posted by @abaadnews_ly)

Government of National Accord Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Government of National Accord
  • Government of National Accord position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    Government of National Accord
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–5

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ064

Incident date

December 28, 2017

Location

بنغازي‎, Sidi Kharibesh, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.125, 20.063889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Several sources reported airstrikes on Sidi Akhrebish by either LNA, Egypt or UAE. One source claims Egyptian F-16s or Rafales were involved.

However, some local sources described what they said was “Indiscriminate shelling by heavy weapons on the area of Akhrebish this day by the LNA militia.” And Libya Today TV noted what it said was the “destruction of infrastructure and public and private property of citizens.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Egyptian Military, Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Egyptian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Egyptian Military
  • Egyptian 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

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
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Egyptian Military, Libyan National Army, United Arab Emirates Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ035

Incident date

October 1, 2016

Location

بنغازي‎, Ganfouda, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

32.028594, 20.026959 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The LNA self-reported airstrikes on what it said were ‘terrorist groups’ operating in Qawarsheh near the European hospital.

Alnabaa uploaded a video showing the extent of destruction to civilian homes from airstrikes in Ganfouda but didn’t specify the date of the attacks.

There were no public reports at the time of civilian harm.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A video shows the destruction among civilian houses in Ganfouda, Benghazi as result the clashes between LNA and Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries & ISIS (Source: al Nabaa TV)

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
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LQ025

Incident date

February 10, 2016

Location

بنغازي‎, Jawhara Resort, Benghazi, Libya

Geolocation

31.992496, 19.971215 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

LNA and various sources reported that it targeted ‘terrorists strongholds’ in Sidi Faraj, Al-Laithi, Bouatni and Garyounis, near Nabous Square. It also hit a vessel 40 km off the Coast. According to Al Wasat, the vessel was loaded with ammunition. According to the LNA’s official site, “A Libyan Arab air force fighter on Wednesday targeted a dredger/vessel west of the city of Benghazi at a distance of 40 km from the coast after the radar system detected it. It was targeted at 6:30 pm. The smoke rose from the dredger/vessel after being targeted, and fire lit the ammunition.”

The fate of any civilian crew on board the boat is unknown.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • A video whos the moment of the military aircraft bombard in al-Lithi district in Benghazi (Source: Libya's Channel)

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
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC183

Incident date

August 16, 2019

Location

مطار معيتيقة, Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli, Libya

Geolocation

32.895041, 13.2785 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reportedly injured by LNA shelling on Mitiga Airport in Tripoli.

The Facebook page of the Burkan Al Ghadab operation by the rival GNA said: “During the last few hours, the militia of the war criminal Hifter targeted the employees of the Libyan Company for Handling and Ground Services at Mitiga International Airport with Grad rockets, wounding two of them with shrapnel and damaging the buses of passengers.”

Other sources only reported artillery shelling but no civilian casualties.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Another video of the shelling
  • Pictures of the aftermath

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Mitiga International Airport (مطار معيتيقة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.895041, 13.2785. 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
    Artillery
  • 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 attacker
    Libyan National Army

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

LC211

Incident date

October 5, 2019

Location

مطار مصراتة, Misurata Airport, Misurata, Libya

Geolocation

32.333406, 15.046019 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was allegedly injured in an LNA or Emirati airstrike on Misurata Airport.

Afrigate News reported: “The airstrike on Misrata airport on Saturday targeted a mobile generator with “detectors” lamps and damaged two civilian planes with shrapnel and injured an employee of the airport handling company, the Interior Ministry said.”

Alayam Ly published a similar report.

Al Motawaset said: “A briefing on the Volcano of Anger [GNA] that the bombing caused the injury of an aviation officer at the airport, where he was taken to hospital for treatment in addition to damage to some airport facilities.”

The Libya Observer tweeted: “Flights at Misrata Int’l Airport were suspended after warlord Khalifa Haftar’s airforce militia, backed by France, UAE and Egypt, conducted an airstrike on the airport Saturday morning, wounding one worker and causing damage to two planes for Libya Wings and Libyan Airlines.”

Other sources only reported bombing at Misurata Airport, without mentioning civilian harm. Some accused the LNA, others the UAE of conducting the strike.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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
    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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Car damaged by an airtrike on Misurata on October 5th, 2019 (via Libya Observer)
  • Plane damaged by an airstrike on Misurata on October 5th, 2019 (via Libya Observer)
  • Shrapnel after an airstrike on Misurata on October 5th, 2019 (via Libya Observer)
  • Shrapnel after an airstrike on Misurata on October 5th, 2019 (via Libya Observer)
  • Car damaged after an airstrike on Misurata on October 5th, 2019 (via Tk Yahroug Kl shy)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Misurata Airport (مطار مصراتة), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.333406, 15.046019. 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

United Arab Emirates Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    United Arab Emirates Military
  • United Arab Emirates Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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
    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 (15) [ collapse]