Surman, Libya Explained

Surman
Native Name:Arabic: صرمان
Nickname:Mother of Spring أم الربيع
Settlement Type:City
Pushpin Map:Libya
Pushpin Label Position:bottom
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Libya
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Libya
Government Type:Municipality
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Abdul Majid Abu Nteasha
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Total Km2:1481
Population As Of:2023
Population Total:100,000
Timezone:EET[1]
Utc Offset:+2
Coordinates:32.7567°N 12.5717°W
Elevation M:10
Area Code:462
Registration Plate Type:License Plate Code
Registration Plate:47
Population Demonym:Surmani
Founder:Berbers

Surman (ˈsɝːmən; also spelled Sorman or Serman; Arabic: ''' صرمان ''' | ''' ṣurmān ''';) is a city in the former Tripolitania region in northwestern Libya, situated 60km (40miles) to the west of Tripoli on the Mediterranean coast. With a population of about 100,000 inhabitants, it is the third most populous city in the west coast region (west of Tripoli). The city has earned its place as one of the biggest hotspots of Libya in many trade areas.

Libyan civil wars

On 20 June 2011, during the first Libyan Civil War, NATO strikes in Sorman against what appeared to be civilian homes in a compound belonging to one of Muammar Gaddafi's associates, Khaled K. El-Hamedi, reportedly killed several civilians, including two children and their mother.[2] NATO admitted carrying out an air strike on a military target in Sorman but denied civilian deaths. NATO issued a statement that said a precision air strike was launched against a "high-level" command and control "node" in the Sorman area.[3]

On 14 August, the National Liberation Army said it had captured the city in battle during the major coastal offensive.[4] 10 rebel fighters were killed and at least 40 pro-Gaddafi fighters were captured during the battle for the town.[5]

In March 2016, during the second civil war, it was reported that two Italians who had been kidnapped in June 2015 were killed while they were used as human shields by Islamic State gunmen in Sorman.[6]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Surman, Sabratha Wa Surman, Libya . bw.utc.city . 9 September 2023.
  2. Web site: News & Stories – Amnesty International USA . Amnestyusa.org . 2020-06-04.
  3. Web site: PTI . NATO | Libya | Sorman | Attack | Military Target | Air Strike - Oneindia News . News.oneindia.in . 2011-06-21 . 2020-06-04.
  4. News: Rebels say capture another town west of Tripoli. https://web.archive.org/web/20120926021546/http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFLDE77D06920110814. dead. 26 September 2012. Reuters. Reuters Africa. 14 August 2011. 14 August 2011.
  5. Web site: Libyan rebels claim control of key towns near Tripoli - World . Dawn.Com . 2020-06-04.
  6. News: Kidnapped Italians killed in Libya – Malta expresses 'deep shock'. Times of Malta. 3 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303164508/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160303/world/kidnapped-italians-reportedly-killed-in-libya.604478. 3 March 2016.