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

18 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-110

Location

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya
One woman was reported killed by Gaddafi forces artillery shelling on Misurata. Alia Libya said: "Twelve rockets fell on Saturday morning, June 18, in the eastern neighborhoods of the city of Misurata, and no civilian casualties were reported." Shorouk News, however, noted: "A missile attack on the same area yesterday killed a woman in her…

Summary

Published
18 June 2011
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

17 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-109

Location

الهبارة, Al Habara , Misrata, Libya
On June 17th 2011, pro-Gaddafi forces shelled the city of Misurata, killing ten including eight named victims and wounding 40, according to Reuters. The status of some of those harmed was unclear. The news agency said: "In Misurata, opposition spokesman Ahmed Hassan said 10 civilians were killed and 40 others wounded when pro-Gaddafi forces bombed…

Summary

Published
17 June 2011
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
8–10
Civilians reported injured
40
Military actors reported killed
2–9
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

12 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-108

Location

الزنتان, Al Zintan, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya
Nine civilians were allegedly killed by Gaddafi forces artillery shelling of Zintan. Al Jazeera noted at the time: "On his part, a spokesman for the rebels said on Monday that nine people were killed and more than forty others were wounded on Sunday when forces loyal to Gaddafi bombed the town of Zintan, held by…

Summary

Published
12 June 2011
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
40
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

9 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-107

Location

مصراتة, Misurata port, Misrata, Libya
Two civilians, including a child, were allegedly killed by Gaddafi forces shelling of Misurata. Shahab Al Nahda said: "Mortar shelling from the western side of the port resulted in the death of 2 civilians, including a child." There is currently no further known public information regarding this event.

Summary

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

Incident Date

7 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-106

Location

باب العزيزية‎, Bab Al Aziziya, Tarabulus, Libya
At least 29 civilians were killed by NATO airstrikes on Tripoli, according to the Gaddafi regime. Al Jazeera noted at the time: "Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said that at least 29 people were killed in 60 air strikes targeting the Libyan capital, Tripoli, on Tuesday evening, while Libyan Colonel Muammar Gaddafi pledged in an…

Summary

Published
7 June 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–29
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

6 June 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-105

Location

الخمس‎, Khoms, Tarabulus, Libya
On June 6th, 2011, 18 detainees were reported dead as a result of suffocation in poorly ventilated containers as they were being held by Gaddafi forces. A UN report from 2011 reported the casualties, stating "On 6 June 2011, 18 detainees died in Al Khums from suffocation due to being held by Qadhafi forces in…

Summary

Published
6 June 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
18
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident