The offensive culminated in the capture of Sirte and the death of Muammar Gaddafi, effectively ending the First Libyan Civil War.
Key Facts
- Start date
- 22 August 2011
- End date
- 20 October 2011
- Duration
- Approximately 60 days
- Key outcome
- Capture and execution of Muammar Gaddafi
- Other killed
- Mutassim Gaddafi and Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Pro-Gaddafi forces retained control of Sirte, the hometown of Muammar Gaddafi, following broader rebel advances across Libya in 2011. Anti-Gaddafi NTC rebels sought to encircle and capture the city by first seizing surrounding towns along the Gulf of Sidra coast, cutting off loyalist supply lines and strategic access.
Beginning on 22 August 2011, NTC rebel forces launched a coordinated military offensive along the Gulf of Sidra, progressively capturing coastal towns to isolate Sirte. After weeks of intense fighting, NTC fighters stormed Sirte in October 2011, overwhelming the remaining Gaddafi loyalists defending the city.
On 20 October 2011, Muammar Gaddafi was captured while attempting to flee Sirte and was subsequently executed, along with his son Mutassim and former defense minister Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr. The fall of Sirte and Gaddafi's death brought the organized resistance of loyalist forces to an end, concluding the First Libyan Civil War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent