Libyan Civil War Libyan Civil War Articles

97 Pages·2011·2.06 MB·English

LLLLiiiibbbbyyyyaaaannnn CCCCiiiivvvviiiillll WWWWaaaarrrr
and
International military Intervention
Since February 17th up to March 30th, 2011

Wikipedia Articles
as at March 31, 2011
Part One

Articles:
Libyan Civil War. UN Security Council Resolution.
Military Intervention. Casualties. Timeline.
Domestic Reactions. International Reactions
Map of the Wikipedia Articles
2011 Libyan civil war

Protests
International reactions • Domestic responses • Casualties • Timeline
Battles
First Battle of Benghazi • Tripoli clashes • Battle of Az Zawiyah • Battle of Misurata • Battle of Gharyan • First Battle of
Brega • Battle of Ra's Lanuf • Battle of Bin Jawad • Second Battle of Brega • Battle of Ajdabiya • Second Battle of Benghazi •
Battle of Az Zintan • Late March rebel offensive • International military intervention (Operation Ellamy – Operation Odyssey
Dawn – Opération Harmattan – Operation MOBILE ) • Operation Unified Protector •
Places
Bab al-Azizia • Green Square • Maydan al-Shajara
People
Muammar Gaddafi • Saif al-Islam Muammar Al-Gaddafi • Mustafa Mohamed Abud Al Jeleil • Abdul Fatah Younis • Hafiz
Ghoga • Hussein Sadiq al Musrati • Mohammed El Senussi • Idris al-Senussi • Fathi Terbil • Mohammed Nabbous • Mahmoud
Jibril • Khalifa Belqasim Haftar • Ali Tarhouni • Ali Abd-al-Aziz al-Isawi • Iman al-Obeidi
Forces
Anti-Gaddafi forces (Libyan People's Army – Free Libyan Air Force – NCLO) • Military of Libya (Libyan Army – Libyan Air
Force – Libyan Navy) • Revolutionary Guard Corps
Related
National Transitional Council • Abu Salim Prison • Fist Crushing a U.S. Fighter Plane • People's Hall, Tripoli • Topple the
Tyrants • United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 • United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 ( International
reactions to the intervention – Protests against the intervention – US domestic reactions to the intervention )
2011 Libyan civil war
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The neutrality of this article is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page. Please do not remove this message
until the dispute is resolved. (March 2011)

• Cities controlled by pro-Gaddafi forces
• Cities controlled by anti-Gaddafi forces (supported by coalition forces)
• Ongoing fighting/unclear situation (situation as of 29 March 2011)
Date 15 February 2011 – present
Location Libya
Status Ongoing

Belligerents
National Transitional Council[1]
• Free Libyan Air Force
• Libyan People's Army
• National Conference for the Libyan Opposition
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Libyan Armed Forces
• Anti-Gaddafi tribes[2]
Libyan Army Libyan Air Force Libyan Navy
Foreign mercenaries [5][6][7][8][9]
UN member states enforcing UNSC Resolution 1973:
• NATO Qatar[3] UAE[4]
full list[show]
•
Commanders and leaders
Mustafa Abdul Jalil [10] Omar El-Hariri[11] Abdul Fatah
Younis[12] Suleiman Mahmoud[13] Khalifa Belqasim Haftar Muammar Gaddafi Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi
Khamis al-Gaddafi Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr
Charles Bouchard[14]
Strength
Approximately 17,000[15] (1,000 trained men)[16]
10,000–12,000 (Al Jazeera estimate)[17]
International Forces: Numerous air and maritime forces (see here)
Casualties and losses
1,567–2,049 opposition fighters killed (see here)

585–663 soldiers killed (see here)
International Forces: 1 USAF F-15E Strike Eagle crashed (both
pilots survived) [non-combat loss][18]
Estimated total killed on both sides including civilians: 2,000–10,000[19][20][21][21][22][23]
The 2011 Libyan civil war (Arabic: ةـــــيبيللا ةـــــيلھلأا برـــــحلا ) is an ongoing armed conflict in the North African country of Libya
against Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year rule, with protesters calling for new leadership and democratic elections.[citation needed] The situation
began as a series of protests and confrontations on 15 February 2011. Within a week, this uprising had spread and Gaddafi was
struggling to retain control across the country.[24] Gaddafi responded with military force and other such measures as censorship and
blocking of communications. With his soldiers across the country defecting, Gaddafi allegedly recruited foreign mercenaries to
supplement his forces. From a diplomatic angle, Gaddafi offered talks with opposition leaders through a representative but the rebels
have rejected any form of dialogue; they pledge to keep fighting at all costs until either Gaddafi resign or be defeated militarily.[25]
The situation then escalated into armed conflict, with rebels establishing a coalition named the Transitional National Council based in
Benghazi. The International Criminal Court warned Gaddafi that he and members of his government may have committed crimes
against humanity.[26] The United Nations Security Council passed an initial resolution freezing the assets of Gaddafi and ten members
of his inner circle, and restricting their travel. The resolution also referred the actions of the government to the International Criminal
Court for investigation.[27] In early March, Gaddafi's forces rallied, pushed eastwards and re-took several coastal cities before
attacking Benghazi. A further resolution authorized member states to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya.[28] The Gaddafi government
then announced a ceasefire, but failed to uphold it. A collection of states began enforcing the no-fly zone on 19 March by disabling
Gaddafi's air defenses.[29]
Background
History Main article: History of Libya under Gaddafi Gaddafi has been the de-facto ruler of Libya since the overthrow of King Idris I
in 1969.[30] WikiLeaks' disclosure of confidential US diplomatic cables has revealed US diplomats there speaking of Gaddafi's
"mastery of tactical maneuvering".[31] While placing relatives and loyal members of his tribe in central military and government
positions, he has skilfully marginalized supporters and rivals, thus maintaining a delicate balance of powers, stability and economic
developments. This extends even to his own children, as he changes affections to avoid the rise of a clear successor and rival.[31]
Petroleum revenues contribute up to 58% of Libya's GDP.[32] Governments with "resource curse" revenue have a lower need for taxes
from other industries and consequently feel less pressure to develop their middle class. To calm down opposition, they can use the
income from natural resources to offer services to the population, or to specific government supporters.[33] Libya's oil wealth being
spread over a relatively small population has allowed for a relatively high living standard compared to neighboring countries.[34]
Despite one of the highest unemployment rates in the region at 21% (latest census), there was a consistent labor shortage with over a
million migrant workers present on the market.[35] These migrant workers formed the bulk of the refugees leaving Libya after the
beginning of hostilities.
Libya's purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP per capita in 2010 was US $14,878; its human development index in 2010 was 0.755;
and its literacy rate in 2009 was 87%. These numbers were lower in Egypt and Tunisia.[36] Indeed, Libyan citizens are considered to
be well educated and to have a high standard of living.[37] This specific situation creates a wider contrast between good education,
high demand for democracy, and the government's practices (perceived corruption, political system, supply of democracy).[36] The
uprising has been viewed as a part of the 2010–2011 Middle East and North Africa protests which has already resulted in the ousting
of long-term presidents of adjacent Tunisia and Egypt with the initial protests all using similar slogans.[38] Social media had played an
important role in organizing the opposition.[39]
[edit] Corruption
Gaddafi amassed a vast fortune during his 42-year rule.[40]
Much of the country's income from oil, which soared in the 1970s, was spent on arms purchases and on sponsoring militancy and
terror around the world.[41][42] According to The Economist, the eastern parts of the country, once a breadbasket of the ancient world,
have fared badly under Gaddafi's economic theories.[43][44] Libya's corruption perception index in 2010 was 2.2, which was worse than
that of Egypt and Tunisia, two neighboring countries who have faced an uprising before Libya.[45]
[edit] Human rights
Further information: Human rights in Libya
According to the 2009 Freedom of the Press Index, Libya is the most-censored country in the Middle East and North Africa.[46] Some
453 Basic People's Congresses meeting quarterly form the legal basis of the government. Each elects a secretariat and various
People's Committees as its executive branch. The Basic Congresses and their Committees are overseen by Revolutionary committees
which report to Gaddafi via a Permanent Revolutionary Committee. Revolutionary committees are embedded throughout most
government-controlled organizations including enterprises and the education sector. According to the U.S. State Department, 10 to 20
percent of Libyans work in surveillance for these committees, a proportion of informants on par with Saddam Hussein's Iraq or Kim
Jong Il's North Korea.[47] Engaging in political conversations with foreigners is a crime punishable by three years of prison in most
cases.[citation needed] During late 1980s and early 1990s western languages were removed from the school curriculum.[48][49] The
government has reportedly paid for assassination of its critics around the world.[47][50] As of 2004, Libya still provided bounties for
critics, including US$1 million for Ashur Shamis, a Libyan-British journalist.[51] The regime has often executed opposition activists
publicly and the executions are rebroadcast on state television channels.[47][52]
Anti-Gaddafi movement
Beginnings of open protest Between 13 and 16 January, upset at delays in the building of housing units and over political corruption,
protesters in Darnah, Benghazi, Bani Walid and other cities broke into and occupied housing that the government was building.[55][56]
On 24 January 2011, Libya blocked access to YouTube after it featured videos of demonstrations in the Libyan city of Benghazi by
families of detainees who were killed in the 1996 Abu Salim prison massacre. The blocking was criticized by Human Rights
Watch.[57] By 27 January, the government had responded to the housing unrest with a US$24 billion investment fund to provide
housing and development.[58] In late January, Jamal al-Hajji, a writer, political commentator and accountant, "call[ed] on the Internet
for demonstrations to be held in support of greater freedoms in Libya" inspired by the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings. He was
arrested on 1 February by plain-clothes police officers, and charged on 3 February with injuring someone with his car. Amnesty
International claimed that because al-Hajji had previously been imprisoned for his non-violent political opinions, the real reason for
the present arrest appeared to be his call for demonstrations.[59] In early February, Gaddafi, on behalf of the Jamahiriya, met with
political activists, journalists, and media figures and warned them that they would be held responsible if they disturbed the peace or
created chaos in Libya.[60]
Uprising and civil war The protests and confrontations began in earnest on 15 February 2011. On the evening of 15 February,
between 500 and 600 protesters chanted slogans in front of the police headquarters in Benghazi. The protest was broken up violently
by police, resulting in 38 injuries.[61][62] The novelist Idris Al-Mesmari was arrested hours after giving an interview with Al Jazeera
about the police reaction to protests.[61] In Al Bayda and Az Zintan, hundreds of protesters in each town called for an end of the
Gaddafi regime and set fire to police and security buildings.[61] In Az Zintan, the protesters set up tents in the town centre.[61] The
protests continued the following day in Benghazi, Darnah and Al Bayda, leading to four deaths and three injuries.[63] Hundreds
gathered at Maydan al-Shajara in Benghazi, and authorities tried to disperse protesters with water cannons.[64] A "Day of Rage" in
Libya and by Libyans in exile is planned for 17 February.[60][65][66] The National Conference for the Libyan Opposition asked that all
groups opposed to the Gaddafi regime protests on 17 February, in memory of demonstrations in Benghazi two years earlier.[60] The
plans to protest were inspired by the 2010–2011 Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings.[60] In early February, Jamahiriya spokesperson
Muammar Gaddafi met with Libyan political activists, journalists, and media figures and warned them that they would be held
responsible if they disturbed the peace or created chaos in Libya.[60]
Organization See also: National Transitional Council Many opposition participants called for return to the 1952 constitution and
transition to multi-party democracy. Military units who have joined the rebellion and many volunteers have formed an army to defend
against Jamahiriya attacks and to work to bring Tripoli under the influence of Jalil.[67] In Tobruk, volunteers turned a former
headquarters of the regime into a center for helping protesters. Volunteers reportedly guard the port, local banks and oil terminals to
keep the oil flowing. Teachers and engineers have set up a committee to collect weapons.[44] The National Transitional Council
(Arabic: يلاـــــقتنلاا ينـــــطولا ســـــلجملا, al-Majlis al-Waṭanī al-'intaqālī) was established on 27 February in an effort to consolidate efforts
for change in the rule of Libya.[68] The main objectives of the group did not include forming an interim government, but instead to
coordinate resistance efforts between the different towns held in rebel control, and to give a political "face" to the opposition to
present to the world.[69] The Benghazi-based opposition government has called for a no-fly zone and airstrikes against the
Jamahiriya.[70] The council refers to the Libyan state as the Libyan Republic and it now has a website.[71] Former Jamahiriya Justice
Minister Mustafa Abdel Jalil said in February that the new government will prepare for elections and they could be held in three
months.[72] On 29 March the political and international affairs committee of the Council presented its eight-point plan for the country
in The Guardian newspaper, stating they would hold free and fair elections and draft a national constitution.[73] An independent
newspaper called Libya appeared in Benghazi, as well as rebel-controlled radio stations.[74] Some of the rebels oppose tribalism and
wear vests bearing slogans such as "No to tribalism, no to factionalism".[44] Libyans have said that they have found abandoned torture
chambers and devices that have been used in the past.[75]
Composition of rebel forces The rebels are composed primarily of civilians, such as teachers, students, lawyers, and oil workers, and
a contingent of professional soldiers that defected from the Libyan Army and joined the rebels.[76][77] Gaddafi's administration had
repeatedly asserted that the rebels included al-Qaeda fighters.[78] NATO commander Admiral Stavridis stated that intelligence reports
suggested "flickers" of al-Qaeda activity were present among the rebels, but also added that there is not sufficient information to
confirm there is any significant al-Qaeda or terrorist presence. [79] [80] Denials of al-Qaeda membership were issued by the rebels. [81]
Gaddafi's response Main article: Muammar Gaddafi's response to the 2011 Libyan civil war Gaddafi has accused his opponents as
those who have been influenced by hallucinogenic drugs put in drinks and pills. He has specifically referred to substances in milk,
coffee and Nescafé. He has claimed that Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda are distributing these hallucinogenic drugs. He has also blamed
alcohol.[82][83][84][85] He later also claimed that the revolt against his rule is the result of a colonialist plot by foreign countries,
particularly blaming France, the US, and the UK, to control oil and enslave the Libyan people. Gaddafi vowed to cleanse Libya house
by house until he had crushed the insurrection.[86][87][88][89][90] Gaddafi declared that people who don't "love" him "do not deserve to
live".[87][89] A Swedish arms trafficking watchdog organization observed flights between Tripoli and Belarus, including visits to a
dedicated Belorussian military base that only handles stockpiled weaponry and military equipment.[91]
Blocking of communications and media See also: Iman al-Obeidi Gaddafi shut down all Internet communications in the country,
and arrested Libyans who had given phone interviews to the media.[92][93] International journalists were banned by the Libyan
authorities from reporting from Libya except by invitation of the Gaddafi government.[94][95][96] International journalists who have
attempted to cover the events have been attacked by Gaddafi's forces. A BBC News crew was beaten and then lined up against a wall
by Gaddafi's soldiers, who then shot next to a journalist's ear and laughed at them.[97] A journalist working for The Guardian and
another Brazilian journalist have been detained. An Al-Jazeera journalist Hassan Al Jaber was murdered, and was apparently
deliberately targeted.[98] On 21 February, The New York Times reported that Gaddafi had tried to impose a blackout on information
from the country.[99] Several residents reported that cellphone service was down, and even landline phone service was sporadic.[99] The
26 March incident with Iman al-Obeidi, a Libyan woman who had been forcibly silenced and detained after she attempted to tell the
international media of her alleged gang-rape by Gaddafi's troops, was seen by the media as representative of the trend.[100][101]
Mercenaries and human shields There have been reports of Gaddafi employing foreign nationals to attack Libyan civilians. French-
speaking fighters apparently come from neighbouring African countries such as Chad and Niger.[102] However, some have urged
caution, noting that Libya has a significant black population who could be mistaken for mercenaries but are actually serving in the
regular army.[6] Also, many Chadian soldiers who fought for Gaddafi in past conflicts with Chad were given Libyan citizenship.[6]
There have been reports of Gadaffi employing mercenaries from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Sudan, Tunisia, Kenya and
possibly even Asia and Eastern Europe.[6][103] Speculation that members of the Zimbabwe National Army were covertly fighting in
Libya grew as Zimbabwe's Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa avoided giving a clear answer to a question on the topic posed
in Parliament.[104] Some of Gaddafi's mercenaries stated they were deceived and forcibly airlifted to shoot demonstrators.[105] Human
Rights Watch has argued that there has been no evidence of mercenaries being employed in Libya.[106] Hysteria created by the alleged
use of mercenaries has led to numerous attacks on black Libyans and African migrant workers with subsequent mob lynching in rebel
controlled areas.[107] According the International Federation for Human Rights, thousands of migrants would have been forced to join
the army and are being used as front-line fighters or simple human shield for Libyan soldiers in street fights.[108] Cases such as
handcuffing truck drivers to steering wheels to prevent them from running away have been documented.[109]
Treatment of dissidents Amnesty International has called Gaddafi's policy to kill those who oppose him unacceptable.[110] The
organization reported that writers, intellectuals and other prominent opposition sympathizers disappeared during the early days of the
conflict in cities controlled by Gaddafi. There are fears they may be subjected to illegal detention, torture or may have been killed.[111]
Amnesty International reported that Gaddafi's forces are targeting paramedics who help injured protesters.[112] In multiple incidents
people have also documented Gaddafi's forces using ambulances in their attacks.[113][114] Injured demonstrators have been denied
access to hospitals and ambulance transport. The regime also banned giving blood transfusions to people who have taken part in the
demonstrations.[115] Gaddafi suppressed the protests in Tripoli by distributing automobiles, money and weapons for hired thugs to
drive around Tripoli and attack people showing signs of dissent.[116][117] Military commanders appear to summarily execute soldiers
who refuse to defend Gaddafi.[118][119] The International Federation for Human Rights reported a case where Gaddafi's commanders
executed 130 soldiers who had refused to support Gaddafi.[120] Gaddafi's commanders have burned alive soldiers who have refused to
fight protesters.[121] On 24 February, the International Federation for Human Rights concluded that Gaddafi is implementing a strategy
of scorched earth and seeks to eliminate and suppress Libyan citizens who stood up against his regime.[122]
Paid protesters Libyans studying in the US have received phone calls from the Libyan embassy urging them to take part in pro-
Gaddafi demonstrations or lose government-funded scholarships. Gaddafi has a history of using paid demonstrators for public
relations, including paying US$2,000 to each hired demonstrator in a pro-Gaddafi rally when he visited the United Nations
headquarters in New York City in 2009.[123]
Battles between Gaddafi and opposition Main article: Timeline of the 2011 Libyan civil war By 23 February, headlines in online
news services were reporting a range of themes underlining the precarious state of the regime – former justice minister Mustafa
Mohamed Abud Al Jeleil alleged that Gaddafi personally ordered the 1988 Lockerbie bombing,[124] resignations and defections of
close allies,[125] the loss of Benghazi, the second largest city in Libya, reported to be "alive with celebration"[126] and other cities
including Tobruk and Misrata reportedly falling[127] with some reports that the government retained control of just a few pockets,[125]
mounting international isolation and pressure,[125][128] and reports that Middle East media consider the end of his regime all but
inevitable.[129] By the end of February, Gaddafi had lost control of a significant part of the country, including the major cities of
Misrata and Benghazi, and the important harbors at Ra's Lanuf and Mersa Brega.[130][131] After taking over the city of Zawiyah on 24
February, Gaddafi's troops attacked the outskirts of the city on 28 February, but were repelled. The town of Nalut, on the Tunisian
border, had also fallen to the opposition forces. On 2 March, government forces attempted to recapture the oil port town of Brega, but
the attack failed and they retreated to Ra's Lanuf. Rebel forces advanced following their victory and on 4 March, the opposition
captured Ra's Lanuf. On the same day, government troops started a full-scale assault on Zawiyah with tank, artillery and air strikes.
On 6 March, the rebel advance along the coastline had been stopped by government forces at the town of Bin Jawad. Government
troops ambushed the rebel column and dozens of rebels were killed. At the same time, Gaddafi's forces attempted an attack on Misrata
and managed to get as far as the centre of the city before their attack was stopped and they retreated to the city's outskirts.[132]
Gaddafi counteroffensive On 6 March, the Gaddafi regime launched a counteroffensive, retaking Ra's Lanuf and Mersa Brega,
pushing towards Ajdabiya and Benghazi. Gaddafi has remained in continuous control of Tripoli,[133] Sirte,[134] Zliten[135] and
Sabha,[136] as well as several other towns. On 10 March, Zawiyah and Ra's Lanuf were retaken by Gaddafi's forces.[137][138] By 15
March, the town of Brega had also been recaptured by Gaddafi's forces and the rebel city of Ajdabiya, the last town before Benghazi,
was surrounded.
United Nations intervention On 17 March, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution to impose a no-fly zone in
Libyan airspace.[139] As a result of the UN resolution, on 18 March, Gaddafi's government declared an immediate ceasefire, but a few
hours later, Al Jazeera reported that government forces were still fighting with rebels.[140] Even after the government-declared
ceasefire, artillery shelling on Misrata and Ajdabiya continued, and government soldiers continued approaching Benghazi.[141][142]
BBC News reported that government tanks entered the city on 19 March while hundreds fled the fighting.[143] Artillery and mortars
were also fired into the city.[144] The same day, a Mig-23BN belonging to the Free Libyan Air Force was shot down over Benghazi,
after being engaged by rebel ground forces in error.[145] The Libyan government subsequently argued that the rebels had violated the
no-fly-zone resolution by using a helicopter and a fighter jet to bomb Libyan armed forces.[146]
Coalition suppresses Libyan air defenses Main article: 2011 military intervention in Libya See also: Operation Ellamy, Operation
Odyssey Dawn, Opération Harmattan, Operation MOBILE, and Operation Unified Protector A French Navy rescue helicopter, from
the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, lands aboard the American command ship USS Mount Whitney At 1600 GMT 19
March, the BBC News reported that the French Air Force had sent nineteen fighter planes over Benghazi to prevent any attacks on the
rebel-controlled city.[147] French jets attacked government armour southwest of Benghazi, destroying four tanks.[148] By 2031 GMT,
the US and British naval vessels had fired at least 114 Tomahawk cruise missiles at twenty Libyan integrated air and ground defense
systems.[149] Three U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers reportedly flew non-stop from the United States to drop forty bombs on a major
Libyan airfield with US fighter jets searching for Libyan ground forces to attack.[150][151] Twenty-five coalition ships, including three
US submarines, began operating in the area.[152] Also on 20 March, Free Libyan Air Forcepilot Mohammed Mukhtar Osman crashed
his plane into the Bab al-Aziziya barracks in Tripoli. Khamis al-Gaddafi was allegedly killed in the attack.[153] On March 20, the Free
Libyan Air Force carried out a suicide attack on the Bab al-Aziziya barracks in Tripoli, one of Gaddafi's residences, when pilot
Muhammad Mukhtar Osman crashed his plane into the barracks. Khamis al-Gaddafi was allegedly killed in the attack. Widespread
reports stated that Khamis had sustained severe burn injuries, and died in intensive care several hours later. U.S. officials confirmed
that they had unconfirmed reports that one of Gaddafi's sons may have been killed. Gaddafi's regime denied the reports.[154] Libyan
State TV reported that Libyan forces had shot down a French warplane over Tripoli, a claim denied by France.[155] On 20 March,
several Storm Shadow missiles were launched against Libyan targets by British jets.[156] Sustained anti-aircraft fire was reported in
Tripoli throughout the night.[157] Gaddafi's forces claimed they had shot down two planes, a claim denied by the US.[158] An American
F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet on a bombing mission crashed after experiencing equipment failure. The pilot and weapons officer
ejected and were recovered by US rescue teams.[159][160] By 22 March, US forces had fired 161 Tomahawk cruise missiles against
Libyan targets.[159] The UK also fired US-made Tomahawk missiles; two fired from a British submarine had hit Gaddafi's compound
in Tripoli on 21 March.[161] On 25 March, NATO announced that it would be taking over the command of the no-fly-zone operations,
after several days of heated debate over who should control operations in Libya. The US had continuously reiterated that it wished to
hand over command to an international organization.[162]
Second rebel advance Main article: Late March 2011 Libyan rebel offensive After airstrikes began, rebel forces began a renewed
offensive towards Tripoli. They advanced 150 miles along the coast, and retook all lost ground, while international airstrikes targeted
government armour and supply columns. Government forces put up resistance in Ajdabiya, which fell to the rebel push after intense
airstrikes. Rebels took Brega, Ra's Lanuf, and Bin Jawad. Airstrikes inflicted heavy losses on government forces, and forced them into
a chaotic retreat eastward. Gaddafi's soldiers left behind military equipment, uniforms, and rations as they fled, and their morale
significantly dropped.[163] On 28 March, heavy fighting took place near Gaddafi's home town of Sirt, and government troops managed
to halt the rebel advance. Due to increasing airstrikes targeting military vehicles, government troops increasingly replaced armour
with civilian vehicles fitted with weapons. On 29 March, government forces launched a counteroffensive, forcing the rebels into a
chaotic retreat from Bin Jawad toward Ra's Lanuf. On 30 March, the rebels said that they were pulling out of Ras Lanuf due to heavy
tank and artillery fire from loyalist forces. The rebels also pulled back from Ajdabiyah, and hundreds of cars and small trucks heading
east clogged the highway on the approaches to Brega.[164] Gaddafi's forces subsequently pushed forward, retaking lost ground, as
airstrikes on government targets throughout Libya took place.[165] The Coalition began considering whether to supply arms to the
rebels.[166]
Humanitarian situation Medical supplies, fuel and food have run dangerously low in the country.[167] On 25 February, the
International Committee of the Red Cross launched an emergency appeal for US$6.4 million to meet the emergency needs of people
affected by the violent unrest in the country.[168] On 2 March, the ICRC's director general reminded everyone taking part in the
violence that health workers must be allowed to do their jobs safely.[169] Fleeing the violence of Tripoli by road, as many as 4,000
people were crossing the Libya-Tunisia border daily during the first days of the uprising. Among those escaping the violence were
foreign nationals including Egyptians, Tunisians and Turks – as well as Libyans.[170] By 1 March, officials from the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees had confirmed allegations of discrimination against sub-Saharan Africans who were held in
dangerous conditions in the no-man's-land between Tunisia and Libya.[171] By 3 March, an estimated 200,000 refugees had fled Libya
to either Tunisia or Egypt. A provisional refugee camp was set up at Ras Ejder with a capacity for 10,000 was overflowing with an
estimated 20,000 to 30,000 refugees. Many tens of thousands were still trapped on the Libyan side of the frontier. By 3 March, the
situation was described as a logistical nightmare, with the World Health Organization warning of the risk of epidemics.[172] With a
migrant population of about two million, countries that border Libya, especially Egypt and Tunisia, have been receiving a flow of
migrants and nationals escaping the violence. Migrants workers as well as Libyan nationals have been finding their way to the border
cities of Sallum in Egypt and Ras Ajdir in Tunisia creating a humanitarian crisis. According to the International Organization for
Migration, as of 7 March, 115,399 migrants had arrived in Tunisia (19,184 of them Tunisians, 47,631 Egyptians and the rest from
various nationalities), 101,609 in Egypt (of which 65,509 were Egyptian), 2,205 in Niger (1,865 Nigerians) and 5,448 in Algeria.[173]
African migrants attacked by anti-Gaddafi mobs Al Jazeera reported that African migrant workers were being attacked, injured
and perhaps killed by anti-government mobs according to witnesses. "We were being attacked by local people who said that we were
mercenaries killing people. Let me say that they did not want to see black people," Julius Kiluu, a sixty-year-old building supervisor,
told Reuters. "Our camp was burnt down, and we were assisted by the Kenyan embassy and our company to get to the airport," he
said. Al Jazeera was told by Seidou Boubaker Jallou, a Malian citizen, that he fled Libya after many black migrants were attacked.
Some injured migrants were unable to seek medical treatment for fear of being killed. Saad Jabbar, deputy director of the North Africa
Centre at Cambridge University, confirmed that Africans have become targets of anti-government Libyans and that they "will be
slaughtered in Libya" Jabbar said. Human Rights organisations claim that some anti-Gaddafi protesters mistakenly associate African
workers with state-sponsored violence. "African immigrants are now linked to state-orchestrated violence and mass killings, and we
may therefore fear the worst about the violent backlash that may follow particularly after Gaddafi is ousted," said Hein de Haas, a
senior fellow with the International Migration Institute. "I think it is urgent to do something about it now, otherwise, a genocide
against anyone who has black skin and who doesn't speak perfect Arabic is possible," said Jabbar.[174]
Casualties Main article: Casualties of the 2011 Libyan uprising Independent numbers of dead and injured in the conflict have still
not been made available. Estimates have been widely varied. Conservative estimates have put the death toll at 1,000,[175] The
International Criminal Court estimated 10,000 killed on 7 March.[23] The numbers of injured were estimated to be around 4,000 by 22
February.[176] On 2 March, the International Federation for Human Rights estimated a death toll as high as 3,000 and the World Health
Organization estimated approximately 2,000 killed.[20] At the same time, the opposition claimed that 6,500 people had died.[177] The
Libyan Human Rights League estimated 6,000 killed on 5 March.[21][21] Later, rebel spokesman Abdul Hafiz Ghoga reported that the
death toll reached 8,000. [22] On 20 March, it was reported by the anti-Gaddafi Al Manara Media that Khamis al-Gaddafi had died
from his injuries sustained when pilot Muhammad Mokhtar Osman allegedly crashed his plane into Bab al-Azizia a week earlier.
However, this had not been confirmed by any other independent media. The crashing of the plane itself had also not been previously
reported or confirmed by any other independent media except Al Manara and the Algerian Shuruk newspaper, which is closely
connected to Al Manara, and with it there is a possibility of the reports being part of the rebel propaganda operations.[178][179][180][181]
Domestic responses Main article: Domestic responses to the 2011 Libyan protests
Resignation of government officials In response to the use of force against protesters, a number of senior Libyan public officials
either renounced the Gaddafi regime or resigned from their positions. Justice Minister Mustafa Mohamed Abud Al Jeleil and Interior
Minister Major General Abdul Fatah Younis both defected to the opposition. Oil Minister Shukri Ghanem and Foreign Minister
Mussa Kussa fled the country, with the latter defecting to the UK.[182][183] Libyan Prosecutor General Abdul-Rahman al-Abbar
resigned his position and joined the opposition.[184] A number of senior military officials defected to the opposition, including Major
General Suleiman Mahmoud, Brigadier General Musa'ed Ghaidan Al Mansouri, Brigadier General Hassan Ibrahim Al Qarawi and
Brigadier General Dawood Issa Al Qafsi. Two Libyan Air Force colonels each flew their Mirage F1 fighter jets to Malta, and
requested asylum, after being ordered to carry out air strikes against anti-government protesters in Benghazi[185][186] Colonel Nuretin
Hurala, the commander of the Benghazi Naval Base also defected.[187] The staff of a number of diplomatic missions of Libya have
either resigned or condemned the action of the Gaddafi regime. The ambassadors to the Arab League, European Union and United
Nations have either resigned or stated that they no longer support the government.[188][189][190] The ambassadors to Bangladesh,
Belgium,[189] People's Republic of China,[188] France,[191] India,[188] Indonesia,[183] Malaysia, Nigeria, Poland,[192] Portugal,[193]
Sweden,[194] and the US[195] also renounced the Gaddafi regime or formally resigned.
Economic, religious and tribal The Arabian Gulf Oil Company, the second-largest state-owned oil company in Libya, announced
plans to use oil funds to support anti-Gaddafi forces.[196] Islamic leaders and clerics in Libya, notably the Network of Free Ulema –
Libya urged all Muslims to rebel against Gaddafi.[183][197] The Warfalla, Tuareg and Magarha tribes announced their support of the
protesters.[130][198] The Zuwayya tribe, based in eastern Libya, threatened to cut off oil exports from fields in its part of the country if
Libyan security forces continued attacking demonstrators.[198]
Libyan royal family Libyan-throne claimant, Muhammad as-Senussi, sent his condolences "for the heroes who have laid down their
lives, killed by the brutal forces of Gaddafi" and called on the international community "to halt all support for the dictator with
immediate effect."[200] as-Senussi said that the protesters would be "victorious in the end" and calls for international support to end the
violence.[201] On 24 February, as-Senussi gave an interview to Al Jazeera where he called upon the international community to help
remove Gaddafi from power and stop the ongoing "massacre".[202] He dismissed talk of a civil war saying "The Libyan people and the
tribes have proven they are united". He later stated that international community needs "less talk and more action" to stop the
violence.[203] He asked for a no-fly zone over Libya but does not support foreign ground troops.[204] In an interview with Adnkronos,
Idris al-Senussi, a pretender to the Libyan throne, announced he was ready to return to the country once change had been initiated.[205]
On 21 February, Idris made an appearance on Piers Morgan Tonight to discuss the uprising.[206] In March, it was reported Idris had
held meetings at the State Department and Congress in Washington with US government Officials. It was also reported attempts at
contact had been initiated by French and Saudi officials.[207] On 3 March, it was reported that Prince Al Senussi Zouber Al Senussi
had fled Libya with his family and was seeking asylum in Totebo, Sweden.[208]
International reactions Main article: International reactions to the 2011 Libyan uprising
Official responses A number of states and supranational bodies condemned Gaddafi's use of military and mercenaries against Libyan
civilians. However, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, North Korean leader Kim-Jong-il, Cuban political leader Fidel Castro and
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez all expressed support for Gaddafi.[209][210][211] Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi initially
said he did not want to disturb Gaddafi, but two days later he called the attacks on protesters unacceptable.[212][213] The Arab League
suspended Libya from taking part in council meetings at an emergency meeting on 22 February and issued a statement condemning
the "crimes against the current peaceful popular protests and demonstrations in several Libyan cities".[214][215] Libya was
suspended[when?] from the United Nations Human Rights Council by a unanimous vote of the United Nations General Assembly, citing
the Gaddafi government's use of violence against protesters.[216] On 26 February, the United Nations Security Council voted
unanimously to impose strict sanctions against Gaddafi's government and, refer Gaddafi and other members of his regime to the
International Criminal Court for investigation into allegations of brutality against civilians.[217] Interpol issued a security alert
concerning the "possible movement of dangerous individuals and assets" based on the United Nations Security Council Resolution
1970, listing Gaddafi himself and fifteen members of his clan or his regime.[218] A number of governments, including Britain, Canada,
Switzerland, the United States, Germany and Australia took action to freeze assets of Gaddafi and his associates.[219] The Gulf
Cooperation Council issued a joint statement on 8 March, calling on the United Nations Security Council to impose an air embargo on
Libya to protect civilians.[220] The Arab League did the same on 12 March, with only Algeria and Syria voting against the measure.[221]
Evacuations During the uprising, many countries evacuated their citizens.[222] China set up its largest evacuation operation ever with
over 30,000 Chinese nationals evacuated, as well as 2,100 citizens from twelve other countries.[223][224][225] On 25 February, 500
passengers, mostly Americans, sailed into Malta after a rough eight-hour journey from Tripoli following a two-day wait for the seas to
calm.[226] South Korea evacuated 1,200 residents[clarification needed] of Libya, utilizing cars, airplanes and ferries, to nearby countries,
including Malta.[227][228] Bulgaria evacuated some of its citizens with planes, along with Romanian and Chinese citizens.[229] The
Indian government launched Operation Safe Homecoming and evacuated 15,000 of its nationals.[230] The Turkish government sent
three ships to evacuate a reported 25,000 Turkish workers and return them to Istanbul.[231] The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs
assisted over 115 Irish nationals in leaving Libya.[232] Several Russians, twenty-one Tadjiks and some Kazachs were evacuated by
Russia authorities.[233] A number of international oil companies decided to withdraw their employees from Libya to ensure their
safety, including Gazprom, Royal Dutch Shell, Sinopec, Suncor Energy, Pertamina and BP. Other companies that decided to evacuate
their employees included Siemens and Russian Railways.[234][235] The evacuations often involved assistance from various military
forces. The United Kingdom deployed aircraft and the frigate HMS Cumberland to assist in the evacuations.[236][237][238] China's frigate
Xuzhou of the People's Liberation Army Navy was ordered to guard the Chinese evacuation efforts.[224][239] The South Korean Navy
destroyer ROKS Choi Young arrived off the coast of Tripoli on 1 March to evacuate South Korean citizens.[240] The UK Royal Navy
destroyer HMS York docked in the port of Benghazi on 2 March, evacuated 43 nationals, and delivered medical supplies and other
humanitarian aid donated by the Swedish government.[241][242] Canada deployed the frigate HMCS Charlottetown to aid in the
evacuation of Canadian citizens and to provide humanitarian relief operations in conjunction with an US Navy carrier strike group,
led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise.[243] Two Royal Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft with British Special
Forces onboard evacuated approximately 100 foreign nationals, mainly oil workers, to Malta from the desert south of
Benghazi.[244][245] A subsequent joint evacuation operation between the UK and Germany evacuated 22 Germans and about 100 other
Europeans, mostly British oil workers, from the airport at Nafurah to Crete.[246][247][248] An attempt by the Royal Netherlands Navy
frigate HNLMS Tromp on 27 February to evacuate a Dutch civilian and another European from the coastal city of Sirte by helicopter
failed after its three-man crew was apprehended by Libyan forces loyal to Gaddafi for infiltrating Libyan airspace without
clearance.[249][250] The civilians were released soon after and the crew was released twelve days later, but the helicopter was
confiscated.[251] A cruise ship arrived to save the 7,913 Filipinos in Libya from the destruction. They stopped in Greece and then
safely made it home to the Philippines.[citation needed]
Mediation proposals There have been several peace mediation prospects during the crisis. Early in the conflict, Gaddafi's son
reportedly requested that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who had dealings with Gaddafi in the last few years, mediate the
crisis. Blair, however, bluntly refused and downplayed his dealings with the Libyan regime.[252] The South African government
proposed an African Union-led mediation effort to prevent civil war.[253] Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez also put himself forward
as a mediator. Although Gaddafi accepted in principle a proposal by Chávez to negotiate a settlement between the opposition and the
Libyan government, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi later said there was no need for any foreign mediation.[254] The proposal has also been
under consideration by the Arab League, according to its Secretary-General Amr Moussa.[255] The Libyan opposition has stated any
deal would have to involve Gaddafi stepping down. The US and French governments also dismissed any initiative that would allow
Gaddafi to remain in power.[256] Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, the 2010 winner of the al-Gaddafi prize for Human Rights,
has offered to mediate the crisis, and proposed that Gaddafi appoint a president acceptable to all Libyans as means of overcoming the
crisis.[257]
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973
(no-fly zone and other measures) Countries committed to enforcement: Belgium[258] Bulgaria[259]
Canada[260] Denmark[261] France[262] Greece Italy[263] Jordan[264] Netherlands[265] Norway[266] QatarRomania[267]
Spain[268] United Arab Emirates[264] United Kingdom[269] United States[270]
Main articles: United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 and 2011 military intervention in Libya On 28 February, UK Prime
Minister David Cameron proposed the idea of a no-fly zone to prevent Gaddafi from airlifting mercenaries and using military aircraft
against civilians.[271] A number of states indicated they would support a no-fly zone if it was backed by the UN.[272] US Secretary of
Defense Robert Gates was initially skeptical of this option, warning the US Congress that a no-fly zone would have to begin with an
attack on Libya's air defenses.[273] Russia and China, both holding UN Security Council veto power, indicated they were opposed to
the implementation of a no-fly zone.[274][275][276][277] Romania,[278] India[279] and Turkey[280] also indicated they were opposed to the
implementation of a no-fly zone. On 7 March, a UN diplomat confirmed to Agence France-Presse, on condition of anonymity, that
France and the UK were drawing up a resolution for the UN Security Council to authorize a no-fly zone over Libya.[281][282] The
foreign ministers of the Arab League agreed at their 12 March meeting to ask the UN to impose a no-fly zone over Libya. The rebels
concurrently stated that a no-fly zone alone would not be sufficient, because the majority of the bombardments were coming from
tanks and rockets, not aircraft.[283] The US changed its position, as Gadaffi forces were quickly approaching Benghazi, and voiced
support for the no-fly-zone concept.[284] On 17 March, the UN Security Council approved UN Security Council Resolution 1973
(2011), authorizing a no-fly zone, amongst other measures, by a vote of ten in favor, zero against, and five abstentions. The resolution
bans all flights in Libyan airspace in order to protect civilians.[284][285] A collection of countries began enforcing the no-fly zone on 19
March.[286] On 29 March, in his position as Foreign Minister of Libya, Mussa Kussa wrote to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon,
nominating the former foreign minister of Nicaragua's socialist Sandinista government and one-time president of the UN General
Assembly, Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann as Libya's new ambassador to the UN. The letter stated that Brockmann was nominated, as
Ali Abdussalam Treki, also a former General Assembly president who was their first choice, was denied a visa to enter the US under
UN SCR 1973.[287]
Reactions to the international intervention See also: International reactions to the 2011 military intervention in Libya, Protests
against the 2011 military intervention in Libya, and US domestic reactions to the 2011 military intervention in Libya The
International Federation for Human Rights stated that it welcomed the resolution which finally offers protection to civilians in Libya,
who are the targets of crimes which can be considered crimes against humanity.[288] The Human Rights Watch stated that the UN
Security Council at last lived up to its duty to prevent mass atrocities. It further commented the Arab League's role, stating that "the
league had watched silently as Sudan's Omar al-Bashir committed crimes against humanity in Darfur – or, less recently, as Iraq's
Saddam Hussein massacred Shia and Kurds, and Syria's Hafez al-Asad destroyed the town of Hama. But the league apparently sensed
the winds of change wafting through the Middle East and North Africa, and felt compelled to respond. The Egyptian presidential
aspirations of the league's secretary-general, Amr Moussa, certainly helped as well."[289] al-Qaeda have also stated that they support
the uprising against Gaddafi and at least a few dozen fighters have al-Qaeda connections.[290][291] Egypt has also been shipping arms
over the Libyan border to arm the rebels.[292] According to a French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP) poll, only 36% of the
population supported French participation in any military intervention in Libya in the run-up to the intervention. However, an IFOP
poll conducted after the intervention began showed 66% supported the intervention, with no difference of opinion between the left-
wing and right-wing.[293] In the US, opposition before the intervention was as high as 74%, according to CNN/Opinion Research
Corporation,[294] while after the intervention a CBS News poll indicated 66% of Americans support the air and naval strikes, with 70%
of democrats and republicans, and 65% of independents approving of missile and airstrikes. However, only 20% expect the no-fly
zone to be "very effective" in protecting civilians and rebels from Gaddafi's forces.[295] China, India, Russia and Turkey condemned
the strikes by international forces.[296] Amr Moussa, the head of The Arab League, expressed great concern over civilians, clearly
defining his position as supporting the UN Security Council resolution but not a bombing campaign.[297] However, Amr Moussa later
clarified that his comments were misinterpreted, and that he does in fact support the air strikes, and reiterated his support for
protecting civilians.[298] Turkey specifically singled out French leadership for ignoring the NATO alliance, which was left divided and
split over the operation.[299][300] NATO members Germany and Poland are not participating in the campaign, and Malta did not offer its
airports for use by coalition forces.[301][302] In Britain the intervention has been broadly supported, though it has also provoked strong
opposition from a minority including former MP George Galloway and MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Caroline Lucas. [303] [304] In the US,
some politicians have voiced opposition to military action without congressional approval, or have requested clarifications and debate
about US goals and how they will be achieved, including Democratic and Republican congressional representatives, Speaker of the
House John Boehner,[305] House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon,[306] and Democratic House Caucus chair John
Larson.[307] Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, has expressed doubts over the possibility of a better regime
emerging if the rebels are victorious. [308]
See also
Human rights portal

Libya portal

Politics portal

• 2011 Egyptian revolution • Topple the Tyrants
• Human rights in Libya • Tunisian Revolution
• List of modern conflicts in North Africa
References
1. ^ Staff (6 March 2011). "Ferocious Battles in Libya as National Council Meets for First Time". NewsCore (via
News Limited). http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/ferocious-battles-in-libya-as-national-council-meets-for-first-
time/story-e6frfku0-1226016536676. Retrieved 27 March 2011.
2. ^ Alexander, Caroline (25 February 2011). "Libya's Tribal Revolt May Mean Last Nail in Coffin for Qaddafi".
Bloomberg Businessweek. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-02-25/libya-s-tribal-revolt-may-mean-last-nail-in-
coffin-for-qaddafi.html. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
3. ^ Staff (21 March 2011). "Gulf Bloc: Qatar, UAE in Coalition Striking Libya". Associated Press.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jTmXlHe7peJtPJyj6U3laLRQa_yw?docId=e09dd83a85f14859942a1
5c341db9b53. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
4. ^ Staff (25 March 2011). "UAE Updates Support to UN Resolution 1973". WAM (Emirates News Agency).
http://www.wam.org.ae/servlet/Satellite?c=WamLocEnews&cid=1300255413630&p=1135099400124&pagename=WAM%
2FWamLocEnews%2FW-T-LEN-FullNews. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
5. ^ Apps, Peter (24 February 2011). "Is Libya's Gaddafi Turning to Foreign Mercenaries?". Reuters. Retrieved 26
March 2011.
6. ^ a b c d Smith, David (22 February 2011). "Has Gaddafi Unleashed a Mercenary Force on Libya? – Reports
Describe Black, French-Speaking Troops But Observers Warn They Could Just Be Sub-Saharan Immigrants in the Army".
The Guardian. Archived from the original on 27 February 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5won04ply. Retrieved 26
March 2011.
7. ^[dead link] Hauslohner, Abigail (24 February 2011). "Libya's Alleged Foreign Mercenaries: More Gaddafi Victims?".
Time (via Yahoo! News) Retrieved 26 March 2011
8. ^ Staff (19 February 2011) "Scores Die in Third Day of Libya's Anti-Gaddafi Protests – Gaddafi Recruits 'African
Mercenaries' To Quell Protests". Al Arabiya. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
9. ^ Swaine, Jon (27 February 2011). Libya: African Mercenaries 'Immune from Prosecution for War Crimes' –
African Mercenaries Hired by the Gaddafi Regime To Kill Libyan Protesters Would Be Immune from Prosecution for War
Crimes Due to a Clause in This Weekend's UN Resolution That Was Demanded by the United States". The Daily Telegraph.
Retrieved 26 March 2011.
10. ^ "Middle East Unrest – Live Blog". Reuters.
11. ^ Staff (8 March 2011). "Libya's Opposition Leadership Comes into Focus". Stratfor (via Business Insider).
http://www.businessinsider.com/libyas-opposition-leadership-national-libyan-council-2011-3?page=1. Retrieved 26 March
2011.
12. ^ "Rebels Forced from Libyan Oil Port". BBC News. 10 March 2011. Archived from the original on 28 January
2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5w5dpTRTE.
13. ^ Staff (10 March 2011). "The Battle for Libya: The Colonel Fights Back – Colonel Muammar Qaddafi Is Trying to
Tighten His Grip on the West, While the Rebels' Inexperience Leaves Them Vulnerable in the East". The Economist.
http://www.economist.com/node/18338840?story_id=18338840. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
14. ^ Staff (25 March 2011). "Canadian To Lead NATO's Libya Mission". CBC News.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/25/libya-nato-mission.html. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
15. ^ Staff (24 March 2011). "Libya: France Jet Destroys Pro-Gaddafi Plane". BBC News. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
16. ^ Staff (23 March 2011). "Libya Live Blog – March 24". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
17. ^ Staff (3 March 2011). "Gaddafi's Military Capabilities – Airworthiness of Fighter Jets Questioned and Years of
Sanctions May Have Rendered Much Equipments Useless". Al Jazeera.
http://english.aljazeera.net/video/africa/2011/03/2011331522685587.html. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
18. ^ "Libya: Live". The Daily Telegraph. 22 March 2011.
19. ^ Galal, Ola; Derhally, Massoud A. (16 March 2011). "Qaddafi Bombs Benghazi as Son Says ‘Too Late’ for No-
Fly Zone". Bloomberg Businessweek. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-16/qaddafi-bombs-benghazi-as-son-
says-too-late-for-no-fly-zone.html. Retrieved 27 March 2011.
20. ^ a b Staff (2 March 2011). "RT News Line, March 2". RT. http://rt.com/news/line/2011-03-02/. Retrieved 15 March
2011.
21. ^ a b c d Adams, Richard (10 March 2011). "Libya Uprising – Thursday 10 March". The Guardian.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/10/libya-uprising-gaddafi-live#block-15. Retrieved 19 March 2011.
22. ^ a b Staff (19 March 2011). "Libya Live Blog – March 20". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
23. ^ a b Staff (24 February 2011). "Death Toll in Libyan Popular Uprising at 10,000". Islamic Republic of Iran
Broadcasting. http://english.irib.ir/news/political/item/71535-death-toll-in-libyan-popular-uprising-at-10000. Retrieved 26
March 2011.
24. ^ Barker, Anne (24 February 2011). "Time Running Out for Cornered Gaddafi". ABC News.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/24/3147195.htm. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
25. ^ Staff (7 March 2011). "Rebels Refuse To Talk to Gaddafi: Al Jazeera – Libyan Leader Said To Want To Work
Out Deal To Step Down". Reuters (via Ottawa Citizen).
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Rebels+refuse+talk+Gaddafi+Jazeera/4187920/story.html. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
26. ^ Kranjc, Svebor (28 February 2011). "Libyan Attacks Could Be Crime Vs Humanity: ICC". Reuters.
http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE71R0H820110228. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
27. ^ (registration required) Wyatt, Edward (26 February 2011). "Security Council Calls for War Crimes Inquiry in
Libya". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/world/africa/27nations.html?hp. Retrieved 27 February
2011.
28. ^[dead link] Staff (17 March 2011). "Security Council Authorizes 'All Necessary Measures' To Protect Civilians in
Libya". UN News Centre. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=37800&Cr=libya&Cr1=. Retrieved 17 March
2011.
29. ^ Staff (19 March 2011). "Missiles Strike Libya in First Wave of Allied Assault – Gadhafi Vows To Defend
Against 'Colonial, Crusader' Aggression". MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42164455/ns/world_news-
mideastn_africa/?gt1=43001. Retrieved 26 March 2011.
30. ^ Viscusi, Gregory (23 February 2011). "Qaddafi Is No Mubarak as Regime Overthrow May Trigger a 'Descent to
Chaos'". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 27 February 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5woom3ygF. Retrieved
12 March 2011.