Brak al-Shati Airbase raid

Brak al-Shati Airbase raid
Part of the Second Libyan Civil War
Date18 May 2017
Location
Brak al-Shati Airbase, Wadi al Shatii District
Result

Raid successful

  • BDB and Misratan militias raid base, destroying equipment and killing present soldiers
  • Ceasefire in Fezzan collapses
  • LNA launches counter-offensive
Belligerents

Benghazi Defense Brigades


Government of National Accord (denied involvement)
House of Representatives
Commanders and leaders
Ahmed Abduljalil Al-Hasnawi (attack planner)
Jamal Al-Treiki (13th battalion commander)
Gen. Mohamed Ben Nayel 
Ali Ibrahim Ben Nayel 
Units involved

13th Misrata Battalion

Libyan National Army

  • 10th Battalion
  • 12th Battalion
Casualties and losses
35 141 killed (including civilians)

On 18 May 2017, an attack was launched by militiamen of the town of Misrata and Benghazi Defense Brigades against the Brak al-Shati Airbase controlled by LNA forces. LNA sources claimed 141 people, including 103 soldiers and numerous civilians were killed as a result of the raid. The base was completely overrun and partially destroyed along with numerous aircraft at the base. Accusations of executions of surrendering forces led to international condemnation of GNA forces.

Shortly after, the LNA launched airstrikes on militant sites near the area in retaliation.