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== Uprising ==
== Uprising ==
The combined assault on Tripoli was codenamed Operation Mermaid Dawn, and was reportedly coordinated with NATO. According to rebel sources, weapons were smuggled by tugboat into Tripoli on the night of 19 August.<ref>[http://www.3news.co.nz/Heavy-gunfire-in-Tripoli-as-rebels-close-in/tabid/417/articleID/222904/Default.aspx Heavy gunfire in Tripoli as rebels close in - Story - World - 3 News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> On the evening of 20 August, the uprising began in the Ben Nabi Mosque in the city center, when young men gathered there; prayers were cancelled and women sent home, while the men began shouting anti-Gaddafi slogans, using the loudspeakers to broadcast their chants across the city. Loyalist forces arrived and attempted to assault the mosque, but were driven back by armed residents, taking refuge in the state TV centre nearby.<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8714522/Libya-how-Operation-Mermaid-Dawn-the-move-to-take-Tripoli-unfolded.html</ref> The uprising started after sunset, when residents barricaded their streets and districts with burning tires, joining up with other anti-government opponents.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> The uprising started after sunset, when residents barricaded their streets and districts with burning tires, joining up with other anti-government opponents.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> </ref> Tripoli residents barricaded their streets and districts with burning tires, joining up with other anti-government opponents.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> The uprisings quickly spread through Tripoli, notably the neighborhoods of Fashloum, Souq al-Juma, Tajura and Ben Ashur, and continued throughout the rest of the city.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/20/libya.war/index.html Gadhafi defiant as rebels claim to take 'revolution' inside Tripoli - CNN.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>That night, heavy fighting was reported the neighborhoods of Suq al Jum'a and Arrada street<ref>[http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/fighting-erupts-in-tripoli-20110821-1j4b5.html Gaddafi surfaces after rebels advance<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, while anti-Gaddafi locals closed off the major Alsika street.
The combined assault on Tripoli was codenamed Operation Mermaid Dawn, and was reportedly coordinated with NATO. According to rebel sources, weapons were smuggled by tugboat into Tripoli on the night of 19 August.<ref>[http://www.3news.co.nz/Heavy-gunfire-in-Tripoli-as-rebels-close-in/tabid/417/articleID/222904/Default.aspx Heavy gunfire in Tripoli as rebels close in - Story - World - 3 News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> On the evening of 20 August, the uprising began in the Ben Nabi Mosque in the city center, when young men gathered there; prayers were cancelled and women sent home, while the men began shouting anti-Gaddafi slogans, using the loudspeakers to broadcast their chants across the city. Loyalist forces arrived and attempted to assault the mosque, but were driven back by armed residents, taking refuge in the state TV centre nearby.<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8714522/Libya-how-Operation-Mermaid-Dawn-the-move-to-take-Tripoli-unfolded.html</ref> The uprising started after sunset, when residents barricaded their streets and districts with burning tires, joining up with other anti-government opponents and barracading their streets and districts with burning tires, joining up with other anti-government opponents.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> The uprisings quickly spread through Tripoli, notably the neighborhoods of Fashloum, Souq al-Juma, Tajura and Ben Ashur, and continued throughout the rest of the city.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/20/libya.war/index.html Gadhafi defiant as rebels claim to take 'revolution' inside Tripoli - CNN.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>That night, heavy fighting was reported the neighborhoods of Suq al Jum'a and Arrada street<ref>[http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/fighting-erupts-in-tripoli-20110821-1j4b5.html Gaddafi surfaces after rebels advance<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, while anti-Gaddafi locals closed off the major Alsika street.


On the night of 20 August, rebels reportedly captured the Tripoli International Airport, as well as a weapons depot inside the capital.<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/engli]h2010/world/2011-08/21/c_131063416.htm "Libyan Rebels Capture Weapons Depot in Capital"]. [[Xinhua News Agency]].</ref> Tripoli residents received text messages from the government, asking them to go out onto the street and 'eliminate the armed agents'.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/20/libya-tripoli-protests-idUSLDE77J04W20110820 Anti-Gaddafi protests in Tripoli streets:residents | Reuters<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Heavy fighting within the capital were confirmed by reporters within the city, who heard explosions and sustained gunfire were heard.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14605391 BBC News - Libya conflict: Heavy gunfire erupts in Tripoli<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
On the night of 20 August, rebels reportedly captured the Tripoli International Airport, as well as a weapons depot inside the capital.<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/engli]h2010/world/2011-08/21/c_131063416.htm "Libyan Rebels Capture Weapons Depot in Capital"]. [[Xinhua News Agency]].</ref> Tripoli residents received text messages from the government, asking them to go out onto the street and 'eliminate the armed agents'.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/20/libya-tripoli-protests-idUSLDE77J04W20110820 Anti-Gaddafi protests in Tripoli streets:residents | Reuters<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Heavy fighting within the capital were confirmed by reporters within the city, who heard explosions and sustained gunfire were heard.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14605391 BBC News - Libya conflict: Heavy gunfire erupts in Tripoli<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

Revision as of 02:22, 22 August 2011

For other historical battles, see Siege of Tripoli (disambiguation).

Battle of Tripoli
Part of 2011 Libyan civil war
Date20 August 2011 – Ongoing
Location
Tripoli, Libya
Result

Ongoing clashes inside the city

Belligerents

Libya Anti-Gaddafi forces

United Nations UNSC Resolution 1973 forces

  • Air support[1]
  • Naval blockade

Libya Gaddafi Loyalists

Commanders and leaders
Libya Abu Oweis (Tripoli Brigade) Libya Muammar Gaddafi
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Surrendered
Muhammad al-Gaddafi Surrendered
Strength
Unknown Thousands [2]
Casualties and losses
100[3]–133[4] killed 31 killed, 42 captured[5]
1,676 killed, 5,900 wounded overall (including civilians; claimed by the Gaddafi government)[6]
Anti-Gaddafi and pro-Gaddafi force movements around Tripoli

The Battle of Tripoli is an ongoing military confrontation being fought between loyalists of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and National Liberation Army rebels wishing to overthrow Gaddafi. The battle began on 20 August 2011 with a reported uprising within the city; rebel forces outside the city were said to be planning an offensive to link up with elements within Tripoli.[7]

The rebels codenamed the assault "Operation Mermaid Dawn"; Tripoli's nicknames include "Bride of the Sea" and "Mermaid of the Mediterranean".[8]

Background

Tripoli was the scene of major clashes and a failed uprising in February. Protesters filled Martyrs' Square and torched the People's Hall of the General People's Congress. Fighting was especially fierce in the eastern Tajura district, but loyalist forces were able to crush the uprising.

Further attempts at protests took place over the next few months with little success. Meanwhile, residents stated that a nighttime guerrilla war was taking place in the streets of Tripoli, as armed rebels reportedly controlled many of the smaller streets in rebel-sympathizing districts.[9]

Beginning on 13 August, a Libyan rebel offensive from the Nafusa Mountains broke into the Tripolitanian coast; after heavy fighting, the cities of Sorman, Sabratha and Az Zawiyah were taken on the coast, cutting off loyalist forces from the Tunisian border, and isolating their positions in Zuwara – a city that had already rebelled in February, only to have the uprising put down. Meanwhile, a second rebel offensive took the city of Gharyan, the gateway of the Nafusa Mountains, blocking the road between Tripoli and the loyalist city of Sabha in far southern Libya. Further rebel successes threatened to isolate the loyalist stronghold of Sirte, and took the city of Zliten east of Tripoli. The combined result of these offensives isolated loyalist forces in Tripoli, with rebel forces less than 30 kilometres (20 miles) away.

On 20 August, Libyan rebel sources claimed that Muammar Gaddafi had fled to Tunisia with two of his sons, Mutassim and Hannibal; these reports could not be confirmed.[10] Later, Libyan state television broadcast what it claimed a live speech by Gaddafi from within Libya, bringing into question claims that he had fled earlier.[11]

Significance of date

The rebel leadership stated that they selected the date of the assault to be the 20th day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, marking the anniversary of the ancient Battle of Badr.[12]

Uprising

The combined assault on Tripoli was codenamed Operation Mermaid Dawn, and was reportedly coordinated with NATO. According to rebel sources, weapons were smuggled by tugboat into Tripoli on the night of 19 August.[13] On the evening of 20 August, the uprising began in the Ben Nabi Mosque in the city center, when young men gathered there; prayers were cancelled and women sent home, while the men began shouting anti-Gaddafi slogans, using the loudspeakers to broadcast their chants across the city. Loyalist forces arrived and attempted to assault the mosque, but were driven back by armed residents, taking refuge in the state TV centre nearby.[14] The uprising started after sunset, when residents barricaded their streets and districts with burning tires, joining up with other anti-government opponents and barracading their streets and districts with burning tires, joining up with other anti-government opponents.[10] The uprisings quickly spread through Tripoli, notably the neighborhoods of Fashloum, Souq al-Juma, Tajura and Ben Ashur, and continued throughout the rest of the city.[15]That night, heavy fighting was reported the neighborhoods of Suq al Jum'a and Arrada street[16], while anti-Gaddafi locals closed off the major Alsika street.

On the night of 20 August, rebels reportedly captured the Tripoli International Airport, as well as a weapons depot inside the capital.[17] Tripoli residents received text messages from the government, asking them to go out onto the street and 'eliminate the armed agents'.[18] Heavy fighting within the capital were confirmed by reporters within the city, who heard explosions and sustained gunfire were heard.[19]

Initially, a governmental spokesman stated that all was safe and well within the city, and that loyalist forces remained in control of Tripoli.[20] Later, he stated that "armed militants" had "escaped into some neighborhoods", causing "a few scuffles", but the governmental forces "dealt with it within a half hour, and it is now calm."[21]

Al Arabiya and Al Jazeera both reported that fighting continued as of the early morning of 21 August; many rebels were reported dead in the district of Qadah, while the Mitiga airbase was reportedly surrounded by rebel forces, who attempted to obtain its surrender.[22][23] The entire Tajura district was captured by rebel forces, while fighting in Suk al-Juma, Araba district and Mitiga airbase continued.[24] Heavy fighting was also reported in the districts of Qadah in western Tripoli, Zawiyat al Dahmania,[25] Fashloum, and Ben Ashur. A rebel representative stated that the operation was "going easily", with the end target being Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound.[26]

A resident speaking to Al Jazeera from Tajoura in Tripoli said that about 450 prisoners in poor health were freed from a military base after locals took control of the area and pushed out Gaddafi forces, who are currently shelling the neighborhood. [27]

By the afternoon of 21 August, rebels had fully taken control of Tajoura, Suq al-Jumaa, Arada and al-Sabaa neighbourhoods in Tripoli. Fighting was still ongoing in Ben Ashhour, Fashlom, and Zawiyat al-Dahmani neighbourhoods in Tripoli; the rebels also controlled large portions of Fashloum, Zawiyat al-Dahmani, and Mansoura districts.[28] They also took a company which runs the mobile phones in Tripoli. [29]

Outside rebel forces join the battle

On 20 August, rebel forces within Az Zawiyah were fighting for control of a strategic bridge on the road to Tripoli, 27 km from the capital. They planned for a major offensive on Tripoli that would take place on 21 August.[30]

Boats from Misrata and Zliten carrying rebel forces and arms landed in Tripoli on the early morning of 21 August, joining rebels within the city in the fight.[31]

On 21 August, rebel forces began advancing east from Az Zawiyah towards Tripoli; they took the town of Jadda'im, east of Zawiya, meeting only light resistance from loyalist forces. [32][33] Next, the town of Al Mayah just west of Tripoli was taken[34]

At 6:04pm BST, the BBC reported that rebel forces were 12km west of Tripoli. [35] At 6:39pm BST, they reported that rebels had entered Tripoli from the west.[36] At 7:02pm BST, they reported that the rebels have reached the suburb of Janzour and were greeted by civilians.[37]

Rebel forces advancing from Az Zawiyah entered the Janzour suburb of Tripoli during the evening, seemingly facing no resistance as the passed through the western suburbs headed for the city centre, greeted by cheering crowds waving the rebels tricolour flag.[38][39]

The security brigade of Muhammed Gaddafi surrendered that night. [40]

Capture of Mohammed al-Gaddafi and Saif al-Islam Gaddafi

ABC News and Al Jazeera TV confirmed the fall of Martyr's Square, and stated that the chairman of the National Transitional Council claimed that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi had been captured, reportedly in a tourist town in Western Tripoli. The stronghold of Bab al-Aziziya was surrounded according to ABC News (USA).[41][42] Al-Saadi al-Gaddafi was captured according to Al Jazeera.[43] Sky News TV reported that the UK representative to the Libyan National Transitional Council confirmed the capture of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi.[44] According to the NTC, Saif will be held safely but securely to await trial.[45] The International Criminal Court confirmed the capture of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, and stated that they would be contacting the NTC to make arrangements for him to be handed over, so that he may face trial for crimes against humanity.[46][47]

Al Jazeera reported on its video that Mohammed Gaddafi, Muammar Gaddafi's son, had handed himself over to rebel forces.[48] Later, it was reported that he had not voluntarily surrendered himself, and one rebel was killed while capturing him.[49] Al Jazeera confirmed the capture, and interviewed Mohammed; he took an apologetic tone, and blamed the revolution on lack of wisdom.[50]

In a press conference, governmental spokesman Moussa Ibrahim stated on the night of 21 August that there were an estimated 1,300 killed 5,000 wounded in the Battle for Tripoli; he blamed the death toll on NATO.[51]

Civilians were reportedly celebrating in the streets of Tripoli as rebel forces entered the city with little resistance. [32]

By 1:00 AM on 22 August (Tripoli time), rebels stated that 90% of Tripoli had been captured, including Martyr's Square.[52]

At 1:15 Libyan time, the NTC announced that rebels had taken control of Tripoli's airport (not to be confused with Mitiga airport/airbase).[53]

The BBC and Al Jazeera, among other news stations, all reported and confirmed that opposition fighters had entered Martyr's Square in central Tripoli. [54][55]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Analysis: Libya rebels seek to avoid Tripoli battle". Reuters. 21 August 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  2. ^ "Gaddafi Remains Libya's Leader – Spokesman". Reuters.
  3. ^ "Libyan Rebels Say They Are Attacking Tripoli". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  4. ^ "August 20th Updates". libyafeb17.com.
  5. ^ "Rebels Kill 31 Gaddafi Fighters in Tripoli – TV". Reuters.
  6. ^ "Libya Rebels Advance into Tripoli After Fierce fighting". BBC News.
  7. ^ "Gunfire, Blasts Intensify in Tripoli – Reuters Witness". Reuters.
  8. ^ "Libyan Rebels in 'Final Push' for Capital". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  9. ^ Golovnina, Maria (11 April 2011). "Feature–Rebels Resort to Guerrilla Tactics in Western Libya". Reuters. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  10. ^ a b Harding, Luke; Beaumont, Peter (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels Close In Amid Reports of Fierce Fighting in Tripoli – Explosions and Gunfire Shake Libyan Capital as Residents Say Anti-Gaddafi Protesters Have Taken to the Streets". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  11. ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 00:54". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  12. ^ Laub, Karin (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels Say They Are Closing In on Tripoli". Associated Press (via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  13. ^ Heavy gunfire in Tripoli as rebels close in - Story - World - 3 News
  14. ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8714522/Libya-how-Operation-Mermaid-Dawn-the-move-to-take-Tripoli-unfolded.html
  15. ^ Gadhafi defiant as rebels claim to take 'revolution' inside Tripoli - CNN.com
  16. ^ Gaddafi surfaces after rebels advance
  17. ^ [1]h2010/world/2011-08/21/c_131063416.htm "Libyan Rebels Capture Weapons Depot in Capital"]. Xinhua News Agency.
  18. ^ Anti-Gaddafi protests in Tripoli streets:residents | Reuters
  19. ^ BBC News - Libya conflict: Heavy gunfire erupts in Tripoli
  20. ^ Live blog: Clashes reported as rebels claim to take right into Tripoli – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs
  21. ^ Cite error: The named reference autogenerated2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  22. ^ Qaddafi scorns rebel ‘rats’ as fighting breaks out in besieged Tripoli
  23. ^ Libya - Aug 21, 2011 - 01:34 | Al Jazeera Blogs
  24. ^ UPDATE 1-Libyan rebels fight for Tripoli airbase -activist
  25. ^ "Zero hour" for Gadhafi as Tripoli rises up
  26. ^ Gadhafi defiant as rebels claim to take 'revolution' inside Tripoli - CNN.com
  27. ^ http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/Libya
  28. ^ http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-21-2011-1407
  29. ^ al jazeera blog
  30. ^ Libya - Aug 21, 2011 - 00:17 | Al Jazeera Blogs
  31. ^ Al jazeera libya live blog 21 August
  32. ^ a b http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16053951
  33. ^ http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/08/21/libyan-rebels-only-miles-from-tripoli-as-mad-dog-gaddafi-is-cornered-86908-23361562/
  34. ^ http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/08/201182193129278233.html
  35. ^ BBC live report 1804 entry
  36. ^ BBC live report 1839 entry
  37. ^ BBC live report 1902 entry
  38. ^ http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-21-2011-2306
  39. ^ "Libyan Rebels: 'Colonel Gaddafi's Son Captured'". Sky.
  40. ^ BBC 2146
  41. ^ http://abcnews.go.com/International/libyan-rebels-captured-gadhafis-son-tripoli/story?id=14349513
  42. ^ (in Arabic). Qatar. Al Jazeera TV. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  43. ^ http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/gaddafi-s-sons-arrested-report-1.1122085?showComments=true
  44. ^ https://twitter.com/#!/JohnRentoul/status/105385240851267584
  45. ^ http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/08/22/163423.html
  46. ^ http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/08/21/libyan-rebels-take-tripolis-green-square
  47. ^ http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/muammar-gaddafis-son-has-been-arrested-and-will-face-charges-of-crimes-against-humanity/story-e6frg6so-1226119478596
  48. ^ http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-22-2011-0104
  49. ^ http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-22-2011-0348
  50. ^ http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-22-2011-0335
  51. ^ http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2011/08/qaddafis-last-stand/41530/
  52. ^ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2028415/Libya-Rebels-capture-military-base-near-Tripoli-warn-zero-hour-Gaddafi.html
  53. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14610722
  54. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14606749
  55. ^ http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-22-2011-0300-0
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