Surman (ˈsɝːmən; also spelled Sorman or Serman; Arabic: صرمان , romanized: ṣurmān ; Berber languages: ⵙⵓⵕⵎⴰⵏ) is a city in the former Tripolitania region in northwestern Libya, situated 60 km (37 mi) 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.
Surman
صرمان | |
|---|---|
From top, left to right: the Main Street, Al Rahma Mosque, Surman’s National Park, The Harbor “Al Marsa” at dusk, at morning | |
| Nickname: | |
  Surman Location in Libya | |
| Coordinates: 32°45′24″N 12°34′18″E / 32.75667°N 12.57167°E | |
| Country |  Libya |
| Founded by | Berbers |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipality |
| • Mayor | Abdul Majid Abu Nteasha |
| Area | |
| • Total | 572 sq mi (1,481 km2) |
| Elevation | 30 ft (10 m) |
| Population (2023) | |
| • Total | 100,000 |
| Demonym | Surmani |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET[1]) |
| Area code | 462 |
| License Plate Code | 47 |
| Website | lgm |
Libyan civil wars edit
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 edit
References edit
- ^ "Surman, Sabratha Wa Surman, Libya". bw.utc.city. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
- ^ "News & Stories – Amnesty International USA". Amnestyusa.org. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
- ^ PTI (2011-06-21). "NATO | Libya | Sorman | Attack | Military Target | Air Strike - Oneindia News". News.oneindia.in. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
- ^ "Rebels say capture another town west of Tripoli". Reuters Africa. Reuters. 14 August 2011. Archived from the original on 26 September 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
- ^ "Libyan rebels claim control of key towns near Tripoli - World". Dawn.Com. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
- ^ "Kidnapped Italians killed in Libya – Malta expresses 'deep shock'". Times of Malta. 3 March 2016. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.