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

23 September 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-177

Location

الجيزة البحرية, Al Giza Al Bahriya, Surt, Libya
Two civilians, including one child were allegedly injured by a NATO airstrike on the Al Giza Al Bahriya area of Sirte. Ahmed Itbiga said the two were killed by a NATO strike on a condolence page on Facebook. A nurse in a video confirms their deaths. Other pages published similar posts. NATO reported striking "1…

Summary

Published
23 September 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

22 September 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-175

Location

سرت, Sirte, Surt, Libya
At lease one female civilian was injured in Sirte when she was struck by a stray bullet in her home on September 22, 2011 according to a tweet from @libyaalahrartv.

Summary

Published
22 September 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Small arms and light weapons
View Incident

Incident Date

22 September 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-174

Location

الحي رقم 2, Neighbourhood No. 2, Surt, Libya
Two women were allegedly killed by a NATO airstrike on neigbourhood No 2 of Sirte. TV Arrai posted a video on Youtube where a nurse says that two women were killed in the attack. NATO on that day reported striking one "Ammunition Storage and Military Barracks Facility" near Sirte. There is currently no further information…

Summary

Published
22 September 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

22 September 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-173

Location

مستشفي ابن سينا, Ibn Sina Hospital, Surt, Libya
Three civilians, including one doctor, were allegedly injured by a NATO airstrike on Sirte. Surt Son posted a video on Youtube saying that two civilians and one Ukranian doctor were injured by an airstrike on the main hospital in Sirte. Libya Realmadrid posted a similar report. NATO on that day reported hitting one "Ammunition Storage…

Summary

Published
22 September 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident

Incident Date

21 September 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-171

Location

بني وليد, Bani Walid, Misrata, Libya
At least four people were killed by Gaddafi forces in Bani Walid on September 21, 2011 according to News.sar5t.libya and Al Jazeera. According to both sources, the four people were executed for raising the flag of independence.

Summary

Published
21 September 2011
Strike Type
Ground operation
Civilians reported killed
4
Causes of Death / Injury
Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
Gaddafi Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

21 September 2011

Incident Code

Lib2011-172

Location

سرت‎, Sirte, Surt, Libya
One child was allegedly injured by a NATO airstrike on Sirte. Surt son posted a video of a child in hospital bed on Youtube who is missing a leg and arm. Additionally he seems to have sustained severe face injuries as his upper body is almost entirely bandaged. NATO reported hitting "1 Command and Controle…

Summary

Published
21 September 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
NATO forces
View Incident