Surman ( ˈsɝːmən/ ˈsmən; 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. While it borders Sabrata in West, Yafren in south, Az zawia in the east and the southeast. With a population of about 90,000. The city has earned its place as one of the biggest hotspots of Libya in many trade areas.
Surman
صرمان | |
---|---|
City | |
From top, left to right: Downtown of Surman, the Main Street, Al Rahma Mosque, Surman’s National Park, The Harbor/ Al Marsa | |
Nickname: Mother of Spring أم الربيع | |
![]() ![]() Surman Location in Libya | |
Coordinates: 32°45′24″N 12°34′18″E | |
Country | ![]() |
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 (2020) | |
• Total | 90,707 |
Demonym | Surmani |
Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
Area code | 462 |
License Plate Code | 47 |
Website | surman |
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.[1] 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.[2]
On 14 August, the National Liberation Army said it had captured the city in battle during the major coastal offensive.[3] 10 rebel fighters were killed and at least 40 pro-Gaddafi fighters were captured during the battle for the town.[4]
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.[5]