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 February 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-018

Location

ميدان الشهداء‎, Martyrs’ Square, Al Zawiyah, Libya
On February 23rd, 2011, seven civilians were killed by the 32nd Brigade in the central square of Al Zawiyah. A UN report mentioned the shooting of seven unarmed civilians. The report states "The Commission found local authorities exercised initial restraint when engaging protesters in the central square in Al Zawiyah. The Commission determined a violent…

Summary

Published
23 February 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
7
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

21 February 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-017

Location

قاعدة فضيل بن عمر الجويه, Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
On February 21st, 2011, nine burned bodies were found in the Fadeel ben Oumar military base, near Tripoli. The civilians had their hands tied behind their back, suspected to be due to capture by the Gaddafi forces, reported by a UN report. The report states "on 21 February, he had been called to Fadeel ben…

Summary

Published
21 February 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
9
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

20 February 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-015

Location

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
On February 20th, 2011, between 15 and 18 people were killed by Gaddafi security forces in Benghazi. France24 and Wiki news reported the casualty counts, with Al Jazeera Youtube showing a picture of civilian bodies. France24 reports "some of the security men detained by the protesters were apparently foreign mercenaries. The channel said earlier that…

Summary

Published
20 February 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
15–18
Civilians reported injured
100
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

20–21 February, 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-016

Location

فشلوم و تاجوراء, Fashloum and Tajoura, Tarabulus, Libya
On February 20th and 21st 2011, Gaddafi forces launched artillery and airstrikes on Tripoli, injuring dozens and killing over 200, according to local claims. Agence France Presse quoted witnesses reporting massacres in the neighbourhoods of Fashalom and Tajoura. Other eyewitnesses reported helicopter bombings in the Souq al-Jumaa area. A video showed helicopters over the skies…

Summary

Published
20 February 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
150–700
Civilians reported injured
12–36
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

19 February 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-013

Location

بنغازي‎, Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
On February 19th, 2011, up to 120 civilians were killed and 100 injured as a result of protests in Benghazi by Gaddafi security forces, who fired live rounds as a result of clashes. Amnesty and Wiki news confirmed the casualties, alongside two mentions in the UN commission report. Wiki news reports "Thousands of people went…

Summary

Published
19 February 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
20–120
Civilians reported injured
100
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

19 February 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-014

Location

نادي الحيا, Nadi Al Hiyat Football Ground, Misrata, Libya
On February 19th, 2011, four protestors were shot by Gaddafi security forces, and between three to five other protestors were injured in Misrata. Amnesty and Wiki News confirmed the casualties. Among the victims were Khaled Abu Shahma, a 42 year old firefighter and father of seven, Ali Hussein al-Dweik, a 43 year old journalist, and…

Summary

Published
19 February 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
3–5
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident