Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident date

January 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC100b

LOCATION

راس يوسف, Ras Yusuf, An Nuqat al Khams, Libya

Two women and an elderly man were reportedly killed by indiscriminate artillery shelling in Tripoli. UNSMIL wrote in its civilian casualty report that “two women and an elderly man were killed in Ras Yusuf district while attempting to escape the shelling.” Local reports point at GNA-affiliated militias or the 7th Brigade as the perpetrator behind

Summary

First published
January 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC100a

LOCATION

قصر بن غشير, Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

Mahmoud Shalbik, a 23-year-old university student from Tripoli, was reportedly killed during armed clashes in the Libyan capital. While most sources reported he was killed by stray bullet, UNSMIL said the “student at the University of Tripoli, Faculty of Economics, was killed at his home as result of incriminate shelling.” Abdulrahman Ghummied stated on Twitter:

Summary

First published
January 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 16, 2019

Incident Code

LC100

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli: Airport area, Tarabulus, Libya

The death of Mahmud Al Temzini was reported as a result from renewed militia shelling in the south of Tripoli. Abu Salim Media reported: “A shell fell on a farm near Tripoli airport and led to the death of the civilian Mahmud al-Tamziti.” Libya Now mentioned he was the father of three children. Haithem H

Summary

First published
January 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Libya: Minimum civilian fatalities per belligerent

Minimum number of reported civilians deaths by belligerent. Emirati and some Egyptian strikes are conducted on behalf of the LNA and grouped as a coalition. Unilateral Egyptian strikes at the border are counted as individual events. Turkish strikes conducted on behalf of the GNA are grouped as a coalition. Strikes by the 7th Brigade before it became part of the LNA were counted as individual events.

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Libya: Total number of strikes

Number of reported air and artillery strikes in Libya. A strike can involve multiple aircraft or munitions released.

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Published

December 5, 2018

Written by

Oliver Imhof and Osama Mansour

Incident marks biggest single allegation of civilian harm against US in Libya since 2011.

Local reports indicate that up to eleven civilians have been killed in a US precision strike near Al Uwaynat, in the extreme south of Libya close to the Algerian border on November 29th.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has confirmed conducting the strike, originally stating that it had targeted fighters from a regional Al Qaeda faction. Responding to allegations of civilian harm, an AFRICOM spokesperson told Airwars that “we are aware of reports alleging civilian casualties resulting from the Nov. 29 airstrike near Al Uwaynat.” However the official added that “At this time, we still assess that no civilians were injured or killed.”

Local sources first reported the airstrike on November 29th, in an area mostly populated and controlled by Tuareg tribespeople. Initial claims were that only suspected militants were killed.

AFRICOM officially confirmed the strike the following day, claiming to have killed “eleven (11) al-Qa’ ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorists and destroying three (3) vehicles.” It further stated that “at this time, we assess no civilians were injured or killed in this strike.”

U.S. Conducts Precision Airstrike in Libya — https://t.co/mbirKvlIwp pic.twitter.com/e3OvHxD6WJ

— U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) (@USAfricaCommand) November 30, 2018

Local demonstrations

Both locals and Al Qaeda itself quickly rejected AFRICOM’s claim of no civilian harm – insisting that the victims did not belong to any terror organisation. Members of a local Tuareg tribe issued a statement during a demonstration in Ubari against the American strike demanding justice for those killed. They further requested an investigation by the Libyan government, and the names of those killed by AFRICOM.

While the combatant status of all victims was not entirely clear, locals denied that any of the victims had belonged to Al Qaeda. At least some of those killed were said to be militiamen aligned with a US-supported faction in Libya which in 2016 had successfully ousted so-called Islamic State from the city of Sirte.

According to the Tuareg statement “the victims included civilians and military personnel. Among them was a field commander in Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous, who fought terrorism in Sirte to offer his country security and stability.” Two of the alleged victims who fought ISIS have been named as Moses Tony and Issa Mousi Ahmed Malik Taraki.

https://www.facebook.com/Rpohlibya/videos/202430803900411/

Video of Moses Tony allegedly fighting ISIS

https://www.facebook.com/Benghazi.LibyaOld/posts/2128356497210054

Issa Mousi Ahmed Malik Taraki

In their statement, the Tuareg further claimed that the “motorcade that was bombed was on its way to rescue a group of Tuareg, near the Algerian border, who were encountering a smuggling gang attempting to smuggle heavy machinery to Algeria.”

Sign during the demonstration in Ubari saying: “AFRICOM killing our sons in the so-called War on Terror” (via Libya’s Channel)

The incident created an abundance of online sources showing both the scorched cars following the strike in the middle of the desert, as well as a demonstration condemning the violence.

Last week’s incident may mark the biggest known loss of civilian life from a US action in Libya since 2011. Acknowledging that AFRICOM was aware of the claims of civilian harm, an official outlined the next steps: “As with any allegation of civilian casualties we receive, U.S. Africa Command will review any information it has about the incident, including any relevant information provided by third parties. If the information supporting the allegation is determined to be credible, USAFRICOM will then determine the next appropriate step.

USAFRICOM complies with the law of armed conflict and takes all feasible precautions during the targeting process to minimize civilian casualties and other collateral damage.”

▲ A truck reportedly destroyed in the US strike near Al Uwaynat on November 30, 2018 (via Riyadh Burshan)

Incident date

November 29, 2018

Incident Code

LC099

LOCATION

العوينات, Al Uwaynat, Ghat, Libya

Eleven civilians were reported killed as a result of a US airstrike near Al Uwaynat. The event marks the biggest single allegation of civilian harm against the United States in Libya so far. Initial reports had indicated that the US had targeted Al Qaeda members with a precision strike near the town in the south

Summary

First published
November 29, 2018
Last updated
April 28, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 11
(11 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Named victims
11 named
View Incident

AFRICOM for November 29, 2018
Original
Annotated

Report Date

In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), U.S. Africa Command conducted a precision airstrike near Al Uwaynat, Libya, November 29, 2018, killing eleven (11) al-Qa’ ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorists and destroying three (3) vehicles.

At this time, we assess no civilians were injured or killed in this strike.

“AFRICOM will use precision strikes to deny terrorists safe haven in Libya.  We will keep pressure on their network, and they remain vulnerable wherever they are,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg P. Olson, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command.

This is the third U.S. strike against AQIM in Libya. The last strike against AQIM occurred on June 13, 2018, resulting in the death of one (1) terrorist.

The United States will not relent in its mission to degrade, disrupt, and destroy terrorist organizations and bring stability to the region.  We are committed to maintaining pressure on the terror network and preventing terrorists from establishing safe haven.

Incident date

November 14, 2018

Incident Code

LC098

LOCATION

طريق يربط السواني بقصر بن جشير, Road connecting Al Swani and Qasr Bin Gashir, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was reported injured as a result of indiscriminate artillery shelling in Qasr bin Ghashir south of Tripoli. A single source, United Libyan, posted on Facebook that “citizen Abdul Basit Bouziane was injured by shrapnel as a result of indiscriminate missiles near Jiha road between the Suwani and the palace.” Azzawiyah News 24 published

Summary

First published
November 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

جميع أطراف النزاع في ليبيا

All Belligerents in Libya, 2012–present

Incident date

October 1, 2018

Incident Code

LQ069

LOCATION

طرابلس‎: مطار معيتيقة, Tripoli: Mitiga International Airport, Tarabulus, Libya

Various local sources reported artillery shelling on Tripoli Mitiga Airport leading to a temporary suspension of flights. 218 TV said: “The international airport of Mitiga announced the suspension of its flights until further notice, due to the repeated exposure to indiscriminate missiles by unknown parties who haven’t as yet revealed their identity.” Libya Alahrar TV

Summary

First published
October 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2018

Incident Code

LQ068

LOCATION

درنة, Derna, Darnah, Libya

Heavy artillery shelling from the LNA was reported in Derna between September 28th and October 1st. The Libya Observer wrote: “Derna in eastern Libya has been the scene for fierce clashes since Sunday between Derna Protection Force and the self-styled army forces led by Khalifa Haftar. Eyewitnesses said clashes renewed in Wasit Al-Blad neighborhood, where

Summary

First published
September 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Libyan National Army
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2018

Incident Code

LC096

LOCATION

طرابلس‎, Tripoli: Airport road, Tarabulus, Libya

Four civilians, all of them from the Bin Zakri family, were reported killed because of if indiscriminate artillery shelling on their house near the Airport road in Tripoli. Dr Suad Diab, a well-known doctor from Tripoli, her husband Ali Eltaher Bin Zakri and their two children Mohammed Ali Bin Zakri and Riham Ali Ben Zakri

Summary

First published
September 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(2 children1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
7th Brigade
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2018

Incident Code

LC095

LOCATION

خلة الفرجان, Khallet Al Furjan, Tarabulus, Libya

One elderly man from Syria was reportedly injured because of indiscriminate artillery shelling on the Khallet Al Furjan neighbourhood of Tripoli. The Tripoli Wounded Affairs Administration posted details and pictures on the incident on Facebook: “The field hospital of the Department of Wounded Affairs received on Sunday, September 23, 2018 an injured elderly man from

Summary

First published
September 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2018

Incident Code

LC097

LOCATION

خلة الفرجان, Khallet Al Furjan, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was reported killed and another one was reported missing, probably due to indiscriminate artillery shelling in Tripoli. Alaraby wrote: “The clashes continued sporadically, southeast of the capital Tripoli, on Monday, amid the continued shelling on civilians, while the government of reconciliation is silent about the situation. The sounds of rockets and missiles, which

Summary

First published
September 23, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
Civilians reported injured
0–21
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
View Incident

Incident date

September 22, 2018

Incident Code

LC094

LOCATION

شرفة الملاحة, Shurfat Al Malaha, Tarabulus, Libya

One civilian was reported injured due to indiscriminate artillery shelling near the Airport road in Tripoli. Libya Akhbar wrote: “The spokesman for the ambulance and emergency agency, Osama Ali, reported the injury of a civilian as a result of random shelling on the market Friday morning. Ali said in a statement on Saturday, that nearly

Summary

First published
September 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2018

Incident Code

LC092

LOCATION

وادي الربيع, Wadi al Rabie, Tarabulus, Libya

Three civilians were reported killed in Tajoura because of indiscriminate artillery shelling. Wagak Original said on Twitter that three initially unidentified bodies were found in the Al Khala area and sent to the Tripoli Medical Hospital. They were then “identified as Khairi Bizik and his brother Karim Bizik and Hamza Goma.” The source added that

Summary

First published
September 20, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Government of National Accord, 7th Brigade
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident