Chronology of a revolt
August 22, 2011
February 15, 2011: The uprising against the regime of Moammar Gadhafi begins, following revolts in other Arab states. The wave of protests spreads to Libya from Tunisia and Egypt. In Bengazi, demonstrators are involved in a bloody clash with Gadhafi supporters and police. Ten days later there would be no government troops left in Benghazi.
February 25, 2011: The United States reacts to events by imposing sanctions on Gadhafi's regime. Three days later the European Union also imposes sanctions and on March 11, it freezes the European bank accounts of leading regime figures.
March 5, 2011: After the Libyan air force carries out air strikes on its own people, the opposition Libyan National Council asks the United Nations Security Council to implement a no-fly zone. On March 12, the Arab League supports this request. On March 17, with Gadhafi's forces threatening to take back Bengazi, the UN Security Council votes to impose a no-fly zone. Germany abstains in the vote, sparking sharp criticism of the government from the opposition. One day later an international coalition made up of France, Britain and the US carry out the first air strikes.
Beginning of April 2011: The situation in Libya is unclear. There are frequent reports of fighting for control of the cities of Misrata, Sirte, and Ras Lanuf. Control of these cities seems to change hands on a daily basis. The massive air strikes carried out by the international coalition continually worsens the situation for Moammar Gadhafi.
April 13, 2011: All of the members of the “Libya Contact Group,” which are also involved in the military operation, call on the dictator to step down. A week later, France and Italy sent military advisors to assist the rebels. The British military had already had advisors on the ground.
May 1, 2011: Gadhafi's youngest son, Saif al-Arab, and three of his grandchildren are killed. Gadhafi responds with threats of revenge.
May 11, 2011: After two months under siege, the port city of Misrata is taken by the rebels. Two weeks later, Russia supports the Libya Contact Groups calls for Gadhafi to step down.
June 2011: The NATO military alliance intensifies its daytime attacks on Tripoli, the German government recognizes the National Transitional Council as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people.
June 27, 2011: The International Criminal Court in The Hague issues arrest warrants for Gadhafi, his son Saif al-Islam, and the head of Libya's secret service. Two days later there is word that France has conducted a weapons drop for the rebels in the west of the country.
July and August 2011: Heavy fighting continues for a number of cities. NATO warplanes continue to carry out airstrikes against Gadhafi's forces.
August 17, 2011: The Transitional Council unveils a plan for handing over power to a democratically elected government after the fall of Gadhafi's regime.
August 20, 2011: After heavy fighting, the rebels say that they have taken control of the key oil port of Brega in the east of the country. At the same time, the battle for Tripoli begins Heavy fighting with high casualty figures is reported throughout the day.
August 22, 2011: Celebratory gunfire is heard on Green Square in Tripioli, as rebels celebrate victory over Gadhafi. Two of his sons are captured, while a third is said to be barricaded in his compound. The whereabouts of Gadhafi are unknown. South Africa rejects reports that it is prepared to offer Gadhafi exile. Amid the celebrations, there are also reports of continuing fighting in the Libyan capital.
Author: Matthias von Hellfeld / pfd
Editor: Rob Turner