All Belligerents in Libya, 2012–present

Following the NATO-backed overthrow of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya entered a prolonged period of civil conflict, leading to the fragmentation of the country’s territory between rival forces.

Airwars has documented allegations of civilian harm by a number of military actors in Libya since 2012. Our findings for the 2011 Libya conflict are here.

Airwars estimate of civilian deaths

512 – 747

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 542 separate alleged incidents.

78 – 94
children likely killed
38 – 41
women likely killed
876
likely injured
567
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
834 – 1,217
Locally reported civilian deaths from all military actors in Libya actions in Libya.
542 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
512 – 747
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by all military actors in Libya
331 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
112 – 158
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
122 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
210 – 310
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
85 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
2
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
4 seperate alleged incidents
543 incidents
Order results by:
Incident Date Publication Date

Incident Date

29 March 2016

Incident Code

LQ028

Location

Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
بنغازي‎
According to its Facebook page, an LNA MiG-21 and a MiG-23 targeted an alleged terrorist headquarters in Qawarsheh and completely destroyed it. The strikes took place at 12:10. At 15:58 the MiG-21 reportedly struck two vessels 150km west off the coast of Benghazi. At 22:45 the helicopter formation targeted two boats and at 03:25 and…

Summary

Published
29 March 2016
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Incident Date

18 March 2016

Incident Code

LQ027

Location

Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
بنغازي‎
In a separate incident to LC027, the LNA reported that it targeted ‘terrorist operation rooms’ with MiG-21s and MiG-23s in Qawarsheh. It also said it sunk two rafts 150 West of Benghazi at 22:45 and a vessel at 03:25. At 04:55 another vessel was reportedly targeted and destroyed.

Summary

Published
18 March 2016
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Incident Date

18 March 2016

Incident Code

LC028

Location

Benghazi Shoreline, Benghazi, Libya
شواطئ بنغازي
The LNA targeted a marine trailer reportedly carrying 10 tanks, 3 containers of ammunition and a number of vehicles off the shores of Benghazi at around 03:00 according to its Facebook page. In an apparent maritime version of a double tap strike, the LNA further reported that other boats then tried to save the people…

Summary

Published
18 March 2016
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Incident Date

15 March 2016

Incident Code

LC027

Location

Al-Hawary, Benghazi, Libya
الهواري
The LNA posted a video of a helicopter squadron targeting alleged terrorists. The video depicts people caught in explosions, and vehicles and buildings suffering damage. However the combatant status of those hit is unclear.

Summary

Published
15 March 2016
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Incident Date

9 March 2016

Incident Code

LC026

Location

Zaafran, Surt, Libya
الزعفران
Two female children and their mother from Hamad Hamed Al-Sayah Hambali were among up to eight victims who died in airstrikes on the area of Zafaran and the power station in Sirte, local media reported. The daughters were named as Isra and Wafaa. According to Mahmoud Mohamed Salem on March 9th, “there were frequent reports of…

Summary

Published
9 March 2016
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Incident Date

9 March 2016

Incident Code

LQ026

Location

Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
بنغازي‎
The LNA reported that it destroyed two sea vessels West of Benghazi near Al Jawhara resort. The statement says that the boats belonged to the Derna Shura Council and were carrying ‘fighters and ammunition’. In addition, the LNA launched strikes on reported positions of the terrorist militias in Qawarsheh and the perimeter of the cement factory…

Summary

Published
9 March 2016
View Incident