The Brak al-Shati Airbase attack resulted in over 140 casualties and drew international condemnation over alleged executions of surrendering LNA soldiers.
Key Facts
- Date of attack
- 18 May 2017
- Total killed (LNA claim)
- 141 people
- Soldiers killed (LNA claim)
- 103 soldiers
- Base status after attack
- Completely overrun and partially destroyed
- Attacking forces
- Misrata militiamen and Benghazi Defense Brigades
- LNA retaliation
- Airstrikes on militant sites near the area
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Tensions in the Libyan Civil War between the Libyan National Army (LNA), aligned with the Tobruk-based government, and rival factions including Misrata militias and the Benghazi Defense Brigades created conditions for offensive operations against LNA-held positions in southern Libya.
On 18 May 2017, Misrata militiamen and Benghazi Defense Brigades launched a coordinated assault on Brak al-Shati Airbase, an LNA-controlled facility. The attackers completely overran the base, partially destroyed it, and damaged numerous aircraft. LNA sources reported 141 deaths, including 103 soldiers and multiple civilians.
Accusations that attacking forces executed surrendering LNA soldiers prompted widespread international condemnation of Government of National Accord-aligned forces. In retaliation, the LNA conducted airstrikes against militant positions near the area, further escalating hostilities in the ongoing civil conflict.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent