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 Date Publication Date

Incident Date

10 August 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-140

Location

مصراتة, Misrata, Misrata, Libya
On August 10th, 2011, Gaddafi forces reportedly fired between four to eight rockets at Misurata. A single source claims three had arrived in the hospital during the bombings, and an another source mentions injuries without providing a number. It was unclear how many of those who arrived at the hospital were injured, killed, as well…

Summary

Published
10 August 2011
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
0–3
Civilians reported injured
0–3
Military actors reported killed
0–3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

9 August 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-138

Location

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya
At least 16 people, identified as Egyptian workers, were killed by Gaddafi forces on August 9, 2011 in Misrata according to Abdul Asallak's post on YouTube and a tweet by @tounsiahourra. Multiple sources stated that those killed were Egyptian workers who worked in a warehouse in the Kararim area of Misrata. A video posted by Abdul…

Summary

Published
9 August 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
16
Causes of Death / Injury
Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
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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

11 August 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-139

Location

تاورغاء‎, Tawergha, Misrata, Libya
Between 24 and 74 civilians, including at least 2 women, in Tawergha were killed by shelling and rockets launched allegedly by the rebels and/or NATO as they advanced into the town after taking control of Misurata. Civilian homes were struck by shells and were killed and injured, eventually resulting in a massive exodus of the…

Summary

Published
1 August 2011
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
24–74
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Libyan rebel forces, NATO forces
View Incident