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

5 July 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-122

Location

مصراتة, Misrata, Misrata, Libya
On July 5th, 2011, at least 11 were killed and 57 were wounded in bombings on Misurata by Gaddafi forces. It was unclear how many were Libyan rebel forces and how many were civilians, and no detailed information were provided on the casualties. BBC wrote that "Libyan opposition sources said that at least 11 people…

Summary

Published
5 July 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
0–11
Civilians reported injured
0–57
Military actors reported killed
5–11
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

29 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-121

Location

دوفان, Doufan, Misrata, Libya
On June 29th, 2011, rockets on Misurata from Gaddafi forces killed one thirteen year old and injured six others. The shelling was primarily aimed at the Doufan neighborhood. The deceased thirteen year old was identified as Moftah Muhammad Jalwal, while three out of the six injured were identified, but their ages were not provided. Multiple…

Summary

Published
29 June 2011
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
6
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

28 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-120

Location

تاورغاء, Tawergha, Misrata, Libya
A NATO airstrike reportedly killed eight civilians in Tawergha. Press TV reported: "A NATO warplane has targeted a market in the Libyan town of Tawragha, leaving at least eight civilians dead and several others wounded. Some of the injured are in critical condition, Xinhua reported on Wednesday, citing a local news agency. NATO carried out…

Summary

Published
28 June 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
8
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

25 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-117

Location

مرسى البريقة, Brega, Al Wahat, Libya
A NATO airstrike on Brega killed 15 civilians, according to Gaddafi regime television. Sky News Australia wrote: "NATO strike in eastern Libya kills 15 - Libyan TV says a NATO air strike in the town of Brega has killed 15 people". Emirates247 provided a more detailed report: "Libyan state television said a Nato air strike…

Summary

Published
25 June 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
15
Civilians reported injured
20
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

24 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-119

Location

زاوية المحجوب, Zawiyat Al Mahjoub, Misrata, Libya
Missiles from Gaddafi forces allegedly struck Misrata in Zawiyat Al-Mahjoub and near the coastal road at 10 in the evening and killed one young man named Muhammad Al-Kabayli and injured two others. According to a Facebook post by Free Misrata 4 ever, Muhammad died because there was a shortage of medical supplies due to a…

Summary

Published
24 June 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

24 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-118

Location

الدافنية, Al Dafiniya, Misrata, Libya
Rocket fire allegedly launched by Gaddafi's forces struck the Al Dafiniya area and killed between one and four people and injured between nine and ten. A Facebook post from News sarkhat Libya alleges that those killed and injured were rebels while a tweet from @shababalnhda alleges that they were civilians.

Summary

Published
24 June 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
0–4
Civilians reported injured
0–10
Military actors reported killed
0–4
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident