All Belligerents in Libya, 2011

Following the start of the Arab Spring in 2011, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi’s regime was toppled in a NATO-backed uprising, leading to significant upheaval and fighting between pro-Gaddaffi forces and rebel groups.

Airwars documented hundreds of allegations of civilian harm by all military actors in Libya in the 2011 war, and has conducted a number of major investigations into the subject.

Airwars estimate of civilian deaths

1,166 – 2,519

Locally reported civilian deaths from declared or likely all military actors in Libya actions in Libya for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by the all military actors in Libya. These originate from 213 separate alleged incidents.

95 – 128
children likely killed
51 – 79
women likely killed
1,050
likely injured
442
named victims

all military actors in Libya estimate of civilian deaths

0

Confirmed civilian deaths, from all military actors in Libya actions in Libya, originating from separate incidents of civilian harm.

0
civilians confirmed injured
Alleged deaths
1,826 – 3,332
Locally reported civilian deaths from all military actors in Libya actions in Libya.
213 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
1,166 – 2,519
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by all military actors in Libya
117 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
594 – 699
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
86 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
66 – 114
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
10 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
0 seperate alleged incidents
216 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

8 August 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-137

Location

مجمعات قفوز وجرود السكنية, Gafuz and Jarud residential compounds, Marqab, Libya
Between 34 and 85 civilians were allegedly killed in NATO airstrikes on the Majer area of Zliten. The event marks the biggest reported loss of civilian life from NATO strikes during the first Libyan Civil War. An Amnesty International field investigation found: "On the evening of 8 August 2011 two houses were struck in Majer…

Summary

Published
8 August 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
34–85
Civilians reported injured
32–38
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

5 August 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-135

Location

مسكن مصطفى ناجي المرابط, Mustafa Naji Al Morabit, Marqab, Libya
Two children and their mother were allegedly killed in a NATO airstrike on Zliten. The Telegraph said: "Residents from the town said the strike happened just after 6am, killing brothers Mohammed, three, and Moataz, five, and their mother Ibtisam. Moussa Ibrahim, Libyan government spokesman, accused Nato of bombing civilian targets frequently. He said: In the…

Summary

Published
5 August 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

5 August 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-136

Location

المليعب, Al Mleeb, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya
Between 28 and 49 people, including 28 men, were killed by Gaddafi forces in Al Mleeb in the vicinity of Al Qalaa village on August 5, 2011 according to various sources, including a video on ImazighenLibya's YouTube and a post on Safit Al Somoud's Facebook. A graphic video posted by ImazighenLibya shows rows of dead bodies, more…

Summary

Published
5 August 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
30–49
Causes of Death / Injury
Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

31 July 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-132

Location

مرسى البريقة, Brega, Al Wahat, Libya
One child was allegedly injured by a NATO or rebel airstrike on Brega. Surt Son posted a video on Youtube showing the victim named Mohamed Musa. According to the video he was injured by artillery shelling on his home which would point at the rebels as the culprit. The description however says he was bombed…

Summary

Published
31 July 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

31 July 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-134

Location

مصراتة, Misrata, Misrata, Libya
On July 31st, 2011, seven missiles were fired on Misurata, leading to the death of 3 men and wounding four others. Two brothers, Abdul Salam Abdul Latif and Youssef Abdul Latif were killed in the strikes, and their cousin Muhammad Abdul Latif died of injuries after. Four others were reported injured as a result of…

Summary

Published
31 July 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

31 July 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-133

Location

منطقة سوق الثلاثاء, Suq Al Thulatha, Misrata, Libya
On July 31st, 2011, eight people were reported killed in Misurata by artillery strikes from Gaddafi forces. In addition, 20 were reported injured by AlMukhtar news. The attacks occurred within the market area of western Misrata. No additional information on the victims were report was unclear how many casualties were civilians or rebel forces. AlMukhtar…

Summary

Published
31 July 2011
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
0–8
Civilians reported injured
0–20
Military actors reported killed
0–8
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident