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

23 March 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-048

Location

الزنتان, Zintan, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Libya
Between six and ten civilians were killed and 26 more injured in air and artillery shelling by Gaddafi forces on Zintan, according to Al Jazeera. The news outlet reported: "Six civilians were killed in a bombardment carried out today by the Gaddafi Brigades on the city of Zintan, and the bombing cut off electricity and…

Summary

Published
23 March 2011
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
6–10
Civilians reported injured
26
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

22 March 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-045

Location

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
Between six and eight civilians were reported injured after a US aircraft crashed near Benghazi. It is unclear whether they were wounded by gunfire, or a subsequent airstrike in an attempt to save the crew. The Telegraph wrote: "US officials insisted that rescue crews did not fire their weapons when retrieving the pilot, contesting media…

Summary

Published
22 March 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
6–8
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

22 March 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-046

Location

مصراتة, Misurata, Misrata, Libya
At least four children were reported killed in a possible attack on Misurata by Gaddafi regime forces. RTE wrote that "Forces loyal to Gaddafi are shelling the rebel-held western city of Misrata and casualties include four children killed when the car they were in was hit, Reuters is reporting." And the BBC noted: "AFP reported…

Summary

Published
22 March 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
4–17
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

20 March 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-044

Location

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya
A "large number" of civilians was reported killed in NATO airstrikes on Sirte, according to the Gaddafi regime. Mohamed Abd El Rahman reported on Facebook that "the Libyan regime said that the coalition launched raids on Tripoli and Zuwara and Misurata (west) and Sirte since Saturday and targeted Sirte on Monday, especially the airports, which…

Summary

Published
21 March 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
10–20
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

20 March 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-042

Location

البوابة الرشقية ألجدابيا, Ajdabiya’s eastern gate, Al Wahat, Libya
Two civilians were killed by Gaddafi forces artillery shelling in Ajdabiya, according to an Amnesty International report. The investigation noted: "Among [those killed] were 67-year old Miftah al-Tarhouni, and his 36-year-old son Mohammad, who were killed on 20 March near Ajdabiya’s eastern gate when their car was hit by a projectile – seemingly a rocket…

Summary

Published
20 March 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

20 March 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-043

Location

البوابة الرشقية ألجدابيا, Petrol station in the vicinity Eastern gate of Ajdabiya, Al Wahat, Libya
On February 22nd, 2011, unknown actors killed one civilian and injured another near Ajdabiya, both of the al-Sheikhi family. Ruqaya ‘Abdelghani al-Sheikhi, a 34 year old teacher, was shot and died after being taken to the hospital. Amnesty states "it has not always been possible to establish whether the people killed or injured were deliberately…

Summary

Published
20 March 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident