Tripoli protests and clashes (February 2011)
The Tripoli protests and clashes were a series of confrontations between Libyan anti-government demonstrators and forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in the capital city of Tripoli that took place in February 2011, at the beginning of the Libyan civil war. During the early days of the uprising, there was significant unrest in the city, but the city remained under the control of the government.[7][8][9][10]
This article is about the February 2011 skirmishes in Tripoli. For the battle in August 2011, see Battle of Tripoli (2011).Background[edit]
Gaddafi had ruled Libya since overthrowing the Libyan monarchy in 1969.[11] As the Arab Spring caused revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, which both border Libya, Gaddafi was reportedly still in full control, being the longest-ruling non-royal head of state.[12] However, the protestors wanted democracy, and Libya's corruption perception index in 2010 was 2.2, worse than Tunisia or Egypt.[13]
February clashes[edit]
On 17 February 2011, it was reported that supporters of the Libyan opposition had taken to the streets and Green Square during the Day of Revolt.[14][15]
On 20 February, it was claimed that snipers fired on crowds to control Green Square, as protesters started fires at police stations and the General People's Congress building.[16] Reportedly, the state television building was also set on fire on 21 February.[17][18] On the morning of 21 February, activists claimed that protesters surrounded Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziza compound and were trying to storm it, but were forced back by heavy gunfire that killed up to 80 people.[19] On 22 February, it was stated that the justice ministry at al-Shuhadaa square and the Shaabia headquarters were attacked.[16]
Tripoli's Mitiga International Airport may have been taken by the protesters on 25 February.[20][21] The Tajura district of Tripoli rose up against control by the Gaddafi government on 25 February.[22] However, it was quickly confronted by government troops who reportedly fired on the protestors and killed 25 of them.[23]
The National Transitional Council formed by the rebels in Benghazi, their interim capital, said through their spokesman Hafiz Ghoga that "we will help liberate other Libyan cities, in particular Tripoli through our national army, our armed forces, of which part have announced their support for the people."[24] Various countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, were considering creating a no-fly zone under United Nations guidance, which would prevent warplanes being used and mercenaries being flown in.[25] The Russian foreign minister rejected the idea and instead supported sanctions, while the Chinese spokesman said their priority was, "for the violence to end, to avoid casualties and to make constructive efforts to help Libya return to peace and stability" and likewise rejected the no-fly zone.[26] On 1 March, British prime minister David Cameron backtracked from his comments regarding the no-fly zone. Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam, who is British-educated, accused Cameron of wanting to be a hero,[27] and described Cameron's military threats as "like a joke". He also stated that if military action was taken, "we are ready, we are not afraid."[28]
Gaddafi loyalists remained in control in Tripoli, and on 1 March it was reported that many shops were closed and the few banks that opened had queues outside.[29] Also on 1 March, a convoy of twenty government aid trucks left Tripoli with food and medicine for the rebel-held eastern city of Benghazi.[27]
Subsequent attempts at protests[edit]
UNSC Resolution 1973[edit]
On the night of 17–18 March, following United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, more clashes occurred between protesters and pro-Gaddafi forces in Tripoli in several different areas. Protests were also planned for 18 March.[31] However, instead, protests against the UN military intervention and in support of Gaddafi's government took place over the coming days.[32]