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

31 May 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-101

Location

طرابلس‎, Tripoli, Tarabulus, Libya
On May 31st 2011, sources told Al Jazeera of casualties in Tripoli due to NATO bombing in the area. No numbers were provided, and it was unclear if these casualties were civilians or belligerents. The source said: "NATO renewed its bombing of several locations, including the Libyan capital, Tripoli, at dawn today, which, according to…

Summary

Published
31 May 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
0–2
Civilians reported injured
0–2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

30 May 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-100

Location

زليتن, Zliten, Misrata, Libya
On May 30th, 2011, multiple sources reported NATO airstrikes on Zliten, which were said to have killed 11 people - although their status was unclear. RT said: "Libyan television announced on Monday, May 30th, that NATO launched air strikes on the town of Zliten on the coastal road linking Tripoli and Misrata, killing 11 people."…

Summary

Published
30 May 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1–11
Civilians reported injured
1–12
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

28 May 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-099

Location

بني وليد, Bani Walid, Misrata, Libya
On May 28th, 2011, a demonstrated near the market in Bani Walid lead to the death of 13 civilians, who were shot by Gaddafi aligned forces. A UN report from 2011 reported the casualty, stating "Together with 12 other young men, an injured man sought refuge in a room on the second floor of a…

Summary

Published
28 May 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
13
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

27 May 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-098

Location

الدفنية, Al Dafniyah, Misrata, Libya
On May 27th, 2011, rocket strikes from Gaddafi forces in the Dafiniyah area of Misurata were said to have killed one reporter and six rebels, as well as injuring 25 other rebels. Multiple sources described the reporter as Mohammad Al Ma'dani, a journalist who had documented the rebel groups. Tawasul MC said: "25 wounded and…

Summary

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

Incident Date

24 May 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-097

Location

باب العزيزية, Bab Al Azizia, Tarabulus, Libya
Between three and 19 civilians were reported killed and as many as 150 wounded following a NATO airstrike on Tripoli. Syria Libya wrote: "Tripoli is now exposed to bombardment and confirmed news of the wounded and the killing of civilians and Qatar pays the bill." RT showed images of the victims and said: "Tripoli reports…

Summary

Published
23 May 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3–19
Civilians reported injured
24–150
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

16 May 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-096

Location

باب العزيزية, Bab Al Azizia, Tarabulus, Libya
On May 16th, 2011, NATO forced bombed Tripoli, including a hotel near the Bab al-Azizyah neighbourhood. Multiple sources reported the airstrikes, although it was unclear if there were civilian casualties. Al Jazeera for example noted: "On Monday evening, NATO forces bombed civilian and military targets in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and the nearby Qasr Bin…

Summary

Published
16 May 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
0–2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident