Booby trap

Booby traps are victim-activated explosive or non-explosive devices hidden around apparently harmless objects or safe actions; in Libya they were used around Tripoli to slow movement, endanger returnees, and complicate clearance after the 2019-2020 offensive.

Libyan Civil War (2014-2020)Libyan National Army

Conflict side: Libyan National Army
Built by: Locally improvised by armed groups
Built in: Various

Booby trap, Booby trap, Munitions

Image source: Booby Trap Gate (-166), March 1966.jpg

Profile

Type: Booby trap
Conflict side: Libyan National Army
Origin: Locally improvised by armed groups
Service note: Modern conflicts, 2015-present

booby trapmine warfare urban warfarearea denialieds

Service History

In service: Used as a hidden victim-activated hazard in built-up areas and around abandoned positions.
Used by: Libyan National Army
Wars: Libyan Civil War (2014-2020)

Production History

Designer: Field-improvised by armed groups
Designed: Ancient concept; modern improvised use
Built by: Locally improvised by armed groups
Built in: Various
Unit cost: Not publicly known
Produced: Fabricated as needed
Number built: Not publicly known
Variants: Victim-activated explosive trap, Pressure- or tripwire-triggered trap

Specifications

Initiation: Victim-activated by disturbance, opening, lifting, or contact
Concealment: Hidden in homes, objects, entrances, or abandoned positions
Purpose: Delay movement and inflict casualties during clearing or return operations

Conflict Usage

Libyan Civil War (2014-2020): Side: Libyan National ArmyRole: Urban area-denial booby trapmine warfare
In the Libyan Civil War (2014-2020), Human Rights Watch said fighters affiliated with the Libyan Arab Armed Forces laid mines as they withdrew from southern Tripoli, and UNSMIL reported improvised explosive devices placed in or near homes.

Booby trap Images

Booby trap, Booby trap, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Booby Trap Gate (-166), March 1966.jpg

Booby trap, Booby trap, Munitions - view 2 — Source: Bamboo Pole Booby Trap (-167), March 1966.jpg

Booby trap, Booby trap, Munitions - view 3 — Source: This one outside is re-constructed at the same site it was in (32134111305).jpg

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Sources

Landmines, Explosive Remnants of War and IED Safety HandbookPublisher: United Nations Mine Action Service | Note: Supports booby traps as explosive or non-explosive devices deliberately placed to cause casualties when a harmless object is disturbed or a normally safe act is performed; also supports common victim-activated characteristics. | Accessed: 2026-06-21 Libya: Landmines Left After Armed Group WithdrawsPublisher: Human Rights Watch | Note: Libyan Civil War (2014-2020): used by Libyan National Army-affiliated fighters; HRW reported mines and booby traps left in Tripoli as LAAF-linked forces withdrew from southern districts. | Accessed: 2026-06-21 Booby Trap Gate (-166), March 1966.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for a Commons booby-trap photograph used as the primary image. | Accessed: 2026-06-21 Bamboo Pole Booby Trap (-167), March 1966.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for a Commons booby-trap photograph used in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-21 This one outside is re-constructed at the same site it was in (32134111305).jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for a Commons booby-trap photograph used in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-21