Battle of Tripoli (2011): Difference between revisions
m →21 August: uhhh.... |
Marc Kupper (talk | contribs) →NATO strikes: clean up table and wikilink once per item per MOS |
||
Line 162: | Line 162: | ||
!Date |
!Date |
||
!Missiles and missiles launchers |
!Missiles and missiles launchers |
||
![[Tank]]s |
|||
!Tanks |
|||
!Vehicles |
!Vehicles |
||
!Radars |
|||
!Radar |
|||
!Buildings |
!Buildings |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 20 |
| 20 August<br><ref>{{cite news | author = Press release | url = http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_08/20110822_110822-oup-update.pdf | publisher = [[NATO]] | date = 22 August 2011 | title = NATO and Libya – Operational Media Update for 21 August | format = [[Portable Document Format|PDF format]]; requires [[Adobe Acrobat|Adobe Reader]] | accessdate = 24 August 2011}}</ref> |
||
| 9 [[surface-to-air missile]] launchers |
| 9 [[surface-to-air missile]] launchers |
||
| align=center| 1 |
|||
| 1 [[tank]] |
|||
| 2 [[Technical (vehicle)|technicals]] |
| 2 [[Technical (vehicle)|technicals]] |
||
| align=center| 2 |
|||
| 2 radars |
|||
| 3 [[command and control]] facilities and 1 military facility |
| 3 [[command and control]] facilities and 1 military facility |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 21 |
| 21 August<br><ref>{{cite news | author = Press release | url = http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_08/20110821_110821-oup-update.pdf | publisher = [[NATO]] | date = 23 August 2011 | title = NATO and Libya – Operational Media Update for 22 August | format = [[Portable Document Format|PDF format]]; requires [[Adobe Acrobat|Adobe Reader]] | accessdate = 24 August 2011}}</ref> |
||
| 1 |
| 1 surface-to-surface missile and 2 [[multiple rocket launcher]]s |
||
| align=center| 0 |
|||
| 0 [[tank]]s |
|||
| 7 |
| 7 surface-to-air missile transloaders, 2 technicals, 2 [[armoured fighting vehicle]]s |
||
| align=center| 1 |
|||
| 1 radar |
|||
| 3 military facilities, 1 military storage facility, 3 |
| 3 military facilities, 1 military storage facility, 3 command and control nodes |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 22 |
| 22 August<br><ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update For 21 AUGUST|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_08/20110822_110822-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=25 August 2011|date=25 August 2011|author=Press Release|format=PDF}}</ref> |
||
| 14 |
| 14 surface-to-air missiles |
||
| align=center| 1 |
|||
| 1 [[tank]] |
|||
| 2 |
| 2 armoured fighting vehicles |
||
| align=center| 3 |
|||
| 3 radars |
|||
| 3 |
| 3 command and control nodes and 1 military facility |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 23 |
| 23 August<br><ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 23 August 2011|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_71994.htm|accessdate=25 August 2011|date=25 August 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |
||
| 3 |
| 3 surface-to-air missile systems and 3 multiple rocket launchers |
||
| align=center| 2 |
|||
| 2 [[tank]]s |
|||
| 5 |
| 5 armoured fighting vehicles, 6 technicals, 2 military heavy equipment trucks, and 2 military trucks |
||
| align=center| 1 |
|||
| 1 radar |
|||
| 1 military facility |
| 1 military facility |
||
|- |
|- |
Revision as of 04:26, 25 August 2011
![]() | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. (August 2011) |
Battle of Tripoli | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of the 2011 Libyan civil war | |||||||
![]() NTC/NLA control (red), Gaddafi's control (green) and disputed areas (yellow). | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
| |||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Tripoli Brigade: NATO: ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
162 killed[3][4][5] | 31 killed,[6] 600 captured[7] | ||||||
1,676 killed, 5,900 wounded overall (including civilians; claimed by the Gaddafi government)[8] 625 killed, 2,000 wounded overall (including civilians; claimed by the National Transitional Council)[9][10] |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Tripolitanian_Front.svg/300px-Tripolitanian_Front.svg.png)
The Battle of Tripoli (Arabic: معركة طرابلس ma‘arakat Ṭarābulis) is an ongoing military confrontation in Tripoli, Libya, being fought between loyalists of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and the National Liberation Army. The battle began on 20 August 2011, six months after the 2011 Libyan civil war started, with an uprising within the city; rebel forces outside the city planned an offensive to link up with elements within Tripoli, and eventually overtake the nation's capital, which had spanned out over an entire day.
The rebels codenamed the assault "Operation Mermaid Dawn" (Arabic: عملية فجر عروسة البحر ‘amaliyyat fajr ‘arūsat el-baḥr). Tripoli's nickname is "The Mermaid" (Arabic: عروسة البحر ‘arūsat el-baḥr) (literally "bride of the sea").[11]
Background
Tripoli was the scene of major clashes and a failed uprising in February 2011. Protesters filled Green Square (since renamed Martyrs' Square), and set fire to the People's Hall of the General People's Congress. Fighting was especially fierce in the city's eastern Tajura district, but loyalist forces were able to crush the uprising, with many casualties on both sides.
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.[12]
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.[13] 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.[14]
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 Conquest of Mecca.[15]
Course of the battle
19 August
The combined assault on Tripoli was reportedly coordinated with NATO. According to rebel sources, weapons were smuggled by tugboat into Tripoli during the evening.[16]
20 August
Rebel forces within Az Zawiyah fought for control of a strategic bridge on the road to Tripoli, 27 kilometres (17 miles) from the capital. They planned for a major offensive on Tripoli that would take place on the following day.[17]
Uprising within Tripoli
In the evening, the uprising within Tripoli began with broadcasts from the city mosques, with the signal of Iftar (إفطار) – the moment Muslims observing Ramadan break their evening fast.[18] Prominent opposition members confirmed that the rebels had been shipping weapons into Tripoli for several weeks, in preparation for this uprising. The centre of the uprising was said to be Ben Nabi Mosque in the city centre, 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.[19] Tripoli residents barricaded their streets and districts with burning tires, joining up with other anti-government opponents.[13] The uprisings quickly spread through Tripoli, notably the neighbourhoods of Fashloum, Souq al-Juma, Tajura and Ben Ashur, and continued throughout the rest of the city.[20] That night, heavy fighting was reported in the neighbourhoods of Suq al Jum'a and Arrada street,[21] while anti-Gaddafi locals closed off the major Alsika street.
During the night, rebels reportedly captured the Tripoli International Airport, as well as a weapons depot inside the capital.[22] Tripoli residents received text messages from the government, asking them to go out onto the street and 'eliminate the armed agents'.[23] Heavy fighting within the capital was confirmed by reporters within the city, who heard explosions and sustained gunfire.[24]
Initially, a governmental spokesman stated that all was safe and well within the city, and that loyalist forces remained in control of Tripoli.[25] Later, he stated that "armed militants" had "escaped into some neighbourhoods", causing "a few scuffles", but the governmental forces "dealt with it within a half hour, and it is now calm."[26]
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.[27][28] Next, the town of Al-Mayah just west of Tripoli was taken.[29]
Boats from Misrata and Zliten carrying rebel forces and arms landed in Tripoli in the early morning, joining rebels within the city in the fight.[30]
Al Arabiya and Al Jazeera both reported that the uprising continued as of the early morning; many rebels were reported dead in the district of Qadah, while the Mitiga International Airport was reportedly surrounded by rebel forces, who attempted to obtain its surrender.[31][32] The entire Tajura district was captured by rebel forces, while fighting in Suk al-Juma, Araba district and Mitiga International Airport continued.[33] Heavy fighting was also reported in the districts of Qadah in western Tripoli, Zawiyat al Dahmania,[34] Fashloum, and Ben Ashur. A rebel representative stated that the operation was "going easily", with the end target being Gaddafi's Bab al-Azizia compound.[35]
A resident speaking to Al Jazeera from Tajura 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 were shelling the neighbourhood.[36]
By the afternoon, resident rebels had fully taken control of Tajura, Suq al-Jumaa, Arada, and al-Sabaa neighbourhoods in Tripoli. Fighting was still ongoing in the Ben Ashhour, Fashlom, and Zawiyat al-Dahmani neighbourhoods in Tripoli; the rebels also controlled large portions of the Fashloum, Zawiyat al-Dahmani, and Mansoura districts.[37] They also took control of a Tripoli mobile-telephone company.[38]
At 6:04 p.m. BST, the BBC News reported that rebel forces were 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) west of Tripoli.[39] At 6:39 p.m. BST, it reported that rebels had entered Tripoli from the west.[40] At 7:02 p.m. BST, it reported that the rebels have reached the suburb of Janzour and were greeted by civilians.[41]
Rebel forces advancing from Az Zawiyah entered the Janzour suburb of Tripoli during the evening, seemingly facing no resistance as they passed through the western suburbs headed for the city centre, greeted by cheering crowds waving the rebels tricolour flag.[42][43]
Khamis al-Gaddafi's Khamis Brigade surrendered that night, and its main headquarters in Tripoli had been sacked by rebels.[44]
In a night-time press conference, governmental spokesman Moussa Ibrahim stated that there were an estimated 1,300 killed and 5,000 wounded in the Battle for Tripoli; he blamed the death toll on NATO.[45]
Civilians were reportedly celebrating in Tripoli's streets as rebel forces entered the city with little resistance.[27] A senior rebel official, Fathi al-Baja, told the Associated Press that one of the reasons for his group's rapid advance was that the commander of a loyalist battalion assigned to defend the city was sympathetic to the rebels since the regime had killed his brother years ago, such that when rebels reached the gates of Tripoli, the battalion promptly surrendered.[46]
Reported capture of two of Gaddafi's sons
On 21 August, the NTC chairman claimed that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi had been captured[47][48] and the UK representative of the NTC repeated the claim[49][50] to the satisfaction of the International Criminal Court which 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.[51][52] However, early on 23 August, Saif al-Islam appeared to be quite obviously not in rebel custody as he appeared at the Rixos Al Nasr hotel where several foreign journalists were located and offered to give reporters a tour of loyalist-controlled areas.[53]
Al Jazeera also reported in its video that Muhammad al-Gaddafi, Muammar Gaddafi's oldest son, had handed himself over to rebel forces.[54] Later, it was reported that he had not voluntarily surrendered himself, and one rebel was killed while capturing him.[55] Al Jazeera confirmed the capture, and interviewed Muhammad; he took an apologetic tone, and blamed what caused the revolution as lack of wisdom.[56] However, Muhammed escaped from house arrest the next day with the aid of loyalist forces.[57]
22 August
By 1:00 a.m. Tripoli time, rebels stated that 90 percent of Tripoli had been captured, including Green Square in central Tripoli.[58] Al Jazeera and the BBC News, among other news stations, all reported and confirmed that opposition fighters had entered Green Square.[59][60]
At 1:15 a.m. Tripoli time, the NTC announced that rebels had taken control of Tripoli International Airport to the south of the city.[61]
In the early morning, a major rebel commander stated that there were still pockets of loyalist resistance within Tripoli, and asked police to stay alert at their posts.[62]
In the morning, Agence France-Press reported that fighting was ongoing near Gaddafi's compound and in the south of the city. A rebel commander said that the loyalists still controlled 15 to 20 percent of the city. Initially one, then multiple tanks left the Gaddafi residence, and began shelling areas of Tripoli.[63][64] Heavy fighting continued around the Rixos Al Nasr hotel, which housed foreign journalists in Tripoli and remained a government stronghold.[64] Journalists were not allowed to leave the hotel by government forces and were described as being used as a "human shield".[65]
A column of hundreds of armed rebels carrying rocket launchers headed towards Green Square.[66]
An independent Libyan news channel reported some looting at the expatriate Palm City village, just outside of Tripoli, but this could not be confirmed.[67] Fighting continued around the Gaddafi compound and near the port, with loyalists using tanks to defend the area.[68]
BBC News confirmed that the Libyan state television channels went off air by the afternoon, and that rebels were in control of the state TV building.[63]
The situation in Tripoli was confused, but loyalist forces were definitively known to remain in control of Bab al-Azizia, the Rixos Al Nasr hotel, a hospital in Tajura,[69] and part of the port.[70] The situation at the Mitiga International Airport was unclear, though many news organizations reported that rebels had taken it.[71]
During the afternoon, rebels pulled back from an area near Green Square, in what they claim was a plan to launch a coordinated offensive elsewhere. Rebel forces in Tajura said they were negotiating with loyalist forces, holed up in the local hospital, to surrender.[72]
In the evening, rebel forces who were fighting in the western part of Tripoli were pushed back.[73] Also, reports seem to indicate that Mohammed Gaddafi managed to escape house arrest with the help of loyalist fighters.[74]
In the night of 22 August, a rebel said that he expected a hard fight for Gaddafi's compound, confirmed Mohammed Gaddafi's escape and said that rebels were establishing checkpoints at the entrances of Tripoli.[75]
Misrata's local military council said they sent several ships "with a large number of fighters and ammunition on board" as reinforcements to Tripoli.[36]
Status of Gaddafi family
The location of Muammar Gaddafi was unclear on 22 August; it was thought that he could still have been staying in Tripoli, surrounded by remaining forces in his Bab al-Azizia compound, but this was yet to be determined.[76] Another report had him in the Tajura cardiac hospital.[77] Al Jazeera reported that Muammar Gaddafi allegedly had successfully resisted an attempt to arrest him at the hospital.[78]
Mutassim Gaddafi was allegedly remaining in the Bab al-Azizia compound directing the remaining defenses,[79][80] while Khamis Gaddafi (who had earlier been rumored killed in an airstrike at Zliten) was reported to be leading loyalist tank forces in a counterattack against central Tripoli, in an attempt to relieve the siege of Bab al-Azizia.[81][82]
Al Arabiya reported that a third Gaddafi son, Al-Saadi al-Gaddafi, had been captured by the rebels, citing the head of the NTC.[83] He had been reported captured as well the previous day, so it was unclear when and where the capture took place.[84]
On 22 August, two charred bodies were found in Tripoli that Al Jazeera suggested could be the bodies of Khamis and Muammar Gaddafi's brother-in-law Abdullah Senussi.[85][86] However, a rebel commander later stated that he believed Khamis Gaddafi was in Bab al-Azizia.[87]
23 August
Very early in the morning, CNN reporter Matthew Chance reported that he had seen and spoken to Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in a convoy of armoured Land Cruisers near the Rixos Al Nasr hotel.[88] Al Arabiya reported via Le Figaro that a rebel confirmed that Saif had been captured, but then escaped.[89][90] The rebels later confirmed that Saif had been in their custody, but escaped in the chaos of the situation.[91]
It was reported that the port area and surroundings were now under rebel control, though the time and circumstances of capture was unclear.[92][93]
By the afternoon, Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr confirmed that rebels were in control of Green Square, now renamed Martyrs' Square by the rebels. She said that heavy clashes were taking place in Mansoura, and that rebels had advanced within 500 metres (1,600 feet) from Bab al-Azizia.[94]
The assault on Bab al-Azizia soon began. The Guardian described the attack as preceded by heavy bombardment of mortars, rockets, and small arms fire.[95] Later in the afternoon, rebels assaulted and took a gate of Bab al-Azizia.[94] Loyalist forces attempted to defend the compound for some time, but their resistance later ended, with rebels pouring into the compound and firing into the air in celebration.[96][97][98] Rebels stormed Gaddafi's personal residence, and hoisted their flag above it.[99] Al Arabiya confirmed that the rebel flag was above the house.[100] Reporters were shown stacks of official documents including Gaddafi's personal medical files as additional proof. Further reports showed what appeared to be a gold-plated Dragunov sniper rifle[101] retrieved from the compound,[102] as well as his hat and golf-cart.[103] Al Jazeera TV showed live video inside the Bab al-Azizia compound at 19:30 (Tripoli time).[104] No information on Gaddafi's or his family's whereabouts were reported from the captured compound.[105] Gaddafi spoke in a radio address afterwards, claiming that the loss of Bab al-Azizia was only a "tactical move".[106]
In the evening, a rebel spokesman announced that rebel fighters were able to secure the Abu Slim district, which was known to have relatively strong loyalist sentiment.[107] Fighting at Bab al-Azizia restarted as loyalist forces bombarded their former stronghold with mortars and gunfire. International journalists pulled back from the base and one Al Jazeera journalist was wounded.[108]
24 August
Around noon, there were reports of fighting within the inner sanctum of the Bab al-Azizia compound, as snipers reportedly hiding in trees amongst the recreational area of the compound were still present.[109] The rebels, meeting fierce resistance, continued to use heavy weaponry to expose loyalists and destroy fortifications in the center of the compound.[110] Fighting was also reported from the Rixos Al Nasr hotel area. Reporters from inside the hotel reported that Gaddafi loyalists prevented them from leaving the compound, effectively taking them hostage amid gunfire from snipers and dwindling food supplies[111] [112] [113] Fighting was also continuing in the Abu Salim district, which the rebels claimed to have captured the previous day,[114] and later it was reported that loyalists were still in control of the area, as well as the al-Hadhba district.[115]
Around 5 p.m., Tripoli time, all foreign reporters and staff that had been restricted to within the Rixos Al Nasr hotel were able to leave the compound in four cars of the Red Cross.[116] Italy also reported that four Italian reporters were kidnapped near Zawiya. [117]
It was confirmed that rebel forces had been in full control of Tripoli International Airport for four days, and that Gaddafi's personal planes were still on the ground. Despite the airport being secure, clashes were still ongoing on the road near the airport.[118]
The Libyan National Transitional Council announced full amnesty to anyone close to Gaddafi who killed or captured him. A businessman also offered a $1.67 million reward.[119]
Rebel fighters and armed residents continued to create and staff checkpoints. Lawlessness has been avoided and celebration continued in Martyr's Square[120]
On 24 August, Al-Saadi al-Gaddafi contacted CNN, stating that he had the authority to negotiate on behalf of loyalist forces, and wished to discuss a ceasefire with US and NATO authorities. This appeared to contradict earlier rebel claims of his capture.[121]
NATO strikes
According to NATO's daily "Operational Media Updates", the NATO strikes in the Tripoli vicinity during the offensive hit:
20–24 August NATO strikes | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Missiles and missiles launchers | Tanks | Vehicles | Radars | Buildings | |
20 August [122] |
9 surface-to-air missile launchers | 1 | 2 technicals | 2 | 3 command and control facilities and 1 military facility | |
21 August [123] |
1 surface-to-surface missile and 2 multiple rocket launchers | 0 | 7 surface-to-air missile transloaders, 2 technicals, 2 armoured fighting vehicles | 1 | 3 military facilities, 1 military storage facility, 3 command and control nodes | |
22 August [124] |
14 surface-to-air missiles | 1 | 2 armoured fighting vehicles | 3 | 3 command and control nodes and 1 military facility | |
23 August [125] |
3 surface-to-air missile systems and 3 multiple rocket launchers | 2 | 5 armoured fighting vehicles, 6 technicals, 2 military heavy equipment trucks, and 2 military trucks | 1 | 1 military facility | |
Total | 32 | 4 | 30 | 7 | 16 |
Influences on other fronts
On 22 August, at least three Scud-B missiles were fired from a base near the Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte at the rebel city of Misrata.[126] One of these was shot down by a NATO jet; the others reportedly did not cause any damage.[127][128]
On 23 August, additional Scud-B missiles were fired from Sirte at Misrata.[129]
See also
References
- ^ Staff (18 March 2011). "UN Clears Way for Libyan No-Fly Zone". ABC News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (25 March 2011). "Nato Takes Control of Enforcing Libya No-Fly Zone". Agence France-Presse (via Dawn). Retrieved 24 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ [unreliable source?] Staff (20 August 2011). "August 20th Updates". libyafeb17.com. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Doctor in Tripoli 'saw many bodies in a truck'
- ^ Pro-Gadhafi forces try to halt rebels' momentum
- ^ Zayed, Dina (21 August 2011). "Rebels Kill 31 Gaddafi Fighters in Tripoli – TV". Reuters. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (24 August 2011). "400 Dead, 2,000 Wounded Over Tripoli". Agence France-Presse (via The Sydney Morning Herald). Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Scenes of Joy as Libya Rebels Enter Central Tripoli". BBC News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (24 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 (All Day)". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Doctor in Tripoli 'saw many bodies in a truck'
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels in 'Final Push' for Capital – Gaddafi Pledges To Stay in Tripoli Until the End in New Audio Address, as Opposition Fighters Close On on the City". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Golovnina, Maria (11 April 2011). "Feature–Rebels Resort to Guerrilla Tactics in Western Libya". Reuters. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Sunday, 21 August 2011 – 00:54". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Lopez, Dario (21 August 2011). "Heavy Gunfire in Tripoli as Rebels Close In". Associated Press (via TV3 News). Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (20 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Saturday, August 20, 2011 – 22:17". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Ryan, Missy (22 August 2011). "Gaddafi Tanks Emerge After Rebels Sweep into Tripoli". Reuters. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Reevell, James. (31 May 2011) "Libya: How 'Operation Mermaid Dawn', The Move To Take Tripoli, Unfolded". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Gadhafi Defiant as Rebels Claim To Take 'Revolution' Inside Tripoli". CNN. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Lamloum, Imed (21 August 2011). "Libya Rebels Close In on Tripoli". Agence France-Presse (via The Sydney Morning Herald). Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels Capture Weapons Depot in Capital". Xinhua News Agency. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Lowe, Christian (20 August 2011). "Anti-Gaddafi Protests in Tripoli Streets:Residents". Reuters. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (20 August 2011). "Libya Conflict: Heavy Gunfire Erupts in Tripoli". BBC News. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (20 August 2011). "Live Blog: Clashes Reported as Rebels Claim To Take Right into Tripoli". CNN. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Lopez, Dario (21 August 2011). "Heavy Gunfire in Tripoli as Rebels Close In" Associated Press (via TV3 News). Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ a b Staff (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels: 'Colonel Gaddafi's Son Captured'". Sky News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels Only Miles from Tripoli as Mad Dog Gaddafi Is Cornered". Daily Record. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels in 'Final Push' for Capital – Gaddafi Pledges To Stay in Tripoli Until the End in New Audio Address, as Opposition Fighters Close In on the City". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 15:22". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Qaddafi Scorns Rebel 'Rats' as Fighting Breaks Out in Besieged Tripoli". Al Arabiya. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (20 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Sunday, August 20, 2011 – 01:34". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Valdmanis, Richard; Lowe, Christian (20 August 2011). "Update 1–Libyan Rebels Fight for Tripoli Airbase – Activist". Reuters. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Laessing, Ulf (21 August 2011). "Libya Rebels Push Towards Capital To Aid Revolt". Reuters (via The Gazette). Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Gadhafi Defiant as Rebels Claim To Take 'Revolution' Inside Tripoli". CNN. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ a b [dead link] "Libya Live Blog". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 12:07". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 15:38". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ [dead link] BBC live report 1804 entry. BBC News. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ [dead link] BBC live report 1839 entry. BBC News. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ [dead link]BBC live report 1902 entry. BBC News. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 20:06". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels: 'Colonel Gaddafi's Son Captured'". Sky News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ [dead link] BBC 2146. BBC News. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Sehgal, Ujala; Simpson, Connor (21 August 2011). "Qaddafi Is Missing as Rebels Gain Control of Most of Tripoli". The Atlantic Wire. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Harding, Luke; Davies, Lizzy (22 August 2011). "Libya: Gaddafi Forces Battle On After Rebels Enter Tripoli – Heavy Fighting Reported Near to Muammar Gaddafi's Compound in Libyan Capital as Battle To Overthrow Dictator Rages". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ al-Fatash, Ramadan (21 August 2011). "Gaddafi's Sons Arrested – Report". Independent Online. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Katrandjian, Olivia (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels Control Much of Tripoli, Gadhafi Whereabouts Unknown". ABC News. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Rentoul, John (21 August 2011). "Tweet". John Rentoul (via Twitter). Retrieved 23 August 2011.
Sky News saying capture of Saif Gaddafi has been confirmed by the UK rep of the National Liberation Council.
- ^ [dead link] "Qaddafi Plea: 'Save Libya,' After Son's Capture; May Negotiate with Rebel Council". Al Arabiya. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Lamloum, Imed (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels Take Tripoli's Green Square". Agence France-Presse (via National Post). Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Muammar Gaddafi's Son Has Been Arrested, and Will Face Charges of Crimes Against Humanity". Agence France-Presse (via The Australian). Retrieved 23 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ Erdbrink, Thomas; Sly, Liz; Fade, Leila (23 August 2011). "Appearance by Gaddafi's Son Tempers Rebel Hopes of Victory". The Washington Post. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 23:04". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Monday, August 22, 2011 – 01:48". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Monday, August 22, 2011 – 01:35". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Monday, August 22, 2011 – 18:22". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Malone, Andrew; Slack, Chris (22 August 2011). "'They're Shooting Inside My House, I've Got To Go': What Gaddafi's Eldest Son Said on the Phone as Rebels Stormed His Home – Mohammed Gaddafi Was Speaking with Al Jazeera When He Heard Rebels Open Fire". Daily Mail. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Monday, August 22, 2011 – 01:00". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ [dead link] "As It Happened: Libya Conflict". BBC News. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ [dead link] "Libya Conflict". BBC News. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (21 August 2011). "Libyan Rebel Leader Says Pockets of Resistance Still Exist in Tripoli". Agence France-Presse (via The Vancouver Sun). Retrieved 23 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ a b [dead link] "World: Africa". BBC News. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
- ^ a b (registration required) "World". San Jose Mercury News.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Journalists Trapped Inside Tripoli Hotel". ninemsn. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=
(help) - ^ Lowe, Christian (22 August 2011). "Large Rebel Column Heads to Tripoli's Green Square". Reuters. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Onians, Charles (22 August 2011). "Life at the Tripoli Conrinthia Amid the Tension". Agence France-Presse (via The Times). Retrieved 23 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ Lowe, Christian (22 August 2011). "Gaddafi Loyalists Defend Compound with Tanks – Rebels". Reuters. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Rebels Control 'Great Majority' of Tripoli". United Press International. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Gaddafi's Reign Crumbles to Its End". TV3. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Stephen, Chris; Alexander, Caroline (22 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels Control Most of Tripoli as Qaddafi Remains Elusive". Bloomberg. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Staff (23 August 2011). "Gadhafi Son Reappears in Tripoli, Claims Father Is Safe". CNN. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Libya Conflict: Fighting for Tripoli Rages On". BBC News. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Monday, August 22, 2011 – 18:22". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Valdmanis, Richard (22 August 2011). "Fight for Gaddafi Compound Will Be Hard – Rebels". Reuters. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Report: Gaddafi Could Be in Tripoli Compound". Agence France-Presse (via Ynetnews). Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Ajbaili, Mustapha (22 August 2011). "Libyan Rebels Celebrate Victory in Tripoli, Reports Say Qaddafi Still in Capital". Al Arabiya. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (23 August 2011). "Gadhafi Son, Reported Arrested, Appears at Tripoli Hotel – When Asked If His Father Is Safe and Well, Seif al-Islam Replies: 'Of Course'". MSNBC. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Libyam PM Escapes to Tunisia – Rebels Claim Control of Tripoli; Kadhafi's Son Under House Arrest by Rebels". Emirates 24/7. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff. "Libyan PM, Head of TV Union on Tunisian Island". Xinhua News Agency. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Fahim, Kareem; Pollard, Ruth (23 August 2011). "Gaddafi's Regime Crumbling". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Rainey, Venetia (22 August 2011). "Three Held, One Fighting Back – Tale of Gaddafi's Four Sons". The First Post. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Libya Rebels Capture Gaddafi's Son Saadi: TV". Reuters. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ al-Fatash, Ramadan (21 August 2011). "Gaddafi's Sons Arrested – Report". Independent Online. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Bodies Found in Tripoli May Be Khamis Gaddafi and Senussi". Agenzia Giornalistica Italia. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Pfeiffer, Tom (22 August 2011). "Corrected – Bodies May Be Gaddafi son, Libya Intel Chief – TV". Reuters. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (23 August 2011). "Qaddafi's Sixth Son Khamis May Hide in Bab al-Aziziya: Rebel". Xinhua News Agency (via CNTV). Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Live Blog: Gadhafi Son Reappears in Tripoli". CNN. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ [clarification needed] Staff (23 August 2011). "Tweet" (in Arabic). Al Arabiya (via Twitter). Retrieved 23 August 2011.
فيغارو: أحد الثوار أكد أنه تم اعتقال سيف الإسلام لكنه هرب
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link) - ^ Staff (23 August 2011). "Defiant Saif al-Islam Rallies Loyalists – Gaddafi's Influential Son Appears with Supporters in Tripoli, Disproving Opposition Claims That He Had Been Captured". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Evans, Martin (23 August 2011). "Libya Rebels: We Let Gaddafi Son Saif al-Islam Escape – The Rebel Leaders Revealed Their Embarassment as They Admitted Allowing Saif al-Islam and Another of Gaddafi's Sons To Escape After Arresting Them During Their Assault on Tripoli". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Allen, Paddy (23 August 2011). "Libya Unrest: Rebels Advance into Tripoli – Reports Suggest That the Rebels Have Taken Over Gaddafi's Compound in the Centre of Tripoli". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (23 August 2011). "Defiant Gaddafi 'Vows To Fight'". BBC News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ a b [dead link] [1]. Al Jazeera.
- ^ [dead link] [2]. The Guardian.
- ^ [dead link] [3]. The Guardian.
- ^ Staff (23 August 2011). "Libya Live Blog: Tuesday, August 23, 2011 – 16:19". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ [dead link] "Breaking News: Compound". Reuters. 23 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Stanglin, Douglas (23 August 2011). "Rebels Storm Gadhafi Compound, Raise Flag". USA Today. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (23 August 2011). "Rebels Claim They Entered Gaddafi Compound". Trend News Agency. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ "Rebels take Gadhafi gold plated Dragunov SVD". Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ [dead link] [4]. CNN.
- ^ Staff (23 August 2011). "Rebels Swipe Gaddafi's Hat and Golf Cart". Sky News. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ [full citation needed] (in Arabic). Al Jazeera live TV channel.
{{cite news}}
: Missing or empty|title=
(help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link) - ^ Staff (23 August 2011). "Libya Unrest: Rebels Overun Gadhafi Tripoli Compound". BBC News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (24 August 2011). "Gaddafi Says Withdraws from Tripoli Compound". Reuters. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (23 August 2011)."Rebels Seize Pro-Gaddafi Tripoli District – Spokesman". Reuters. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (24 August 2011). "As Libyan Rebels Secure Tripoli, Search for Gadhafi Continues". CNN. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ [dead link] Staff (24 August 2011). "Live: Battle for Tripoli". BBC News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ "Rebels Appeal for Gaddafi Capture". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14646334. 24 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); External link in
(help)|newspaper=
- ^ Peralta, Eyder (24 August 2011). "Report: Journalists Are Freed From Libyan Hotel". Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Memmot, Mark (24 August 2011). "In Libya: Last Battle Of 'Bitter, Brutal Civil War'". Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (24 August 2011). "Libya Conflict: Trapped Among Gaddafi Loyalists". BBC News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (24 August 2011). "Rebels Battle Libyan Forces Near Gadhafi Compound". Associated Press (via USA Today). Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Madi, Mohamed (24 August 2011). "Rebels Pushing To Secure Tripoli". BBC News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (24 August 2011). "BBC Journalist Describes Release from Rixos Hotel". BBC News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ "Rebels Appeal for Gaddafi Capture". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14646334. 24 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); External link in
(help)|newspaper=
- ^ Staff (24 August 2011). "Rebels Find Gaddafi's 'Palaces on Wings'". The Times. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ "Rebels Appeal for Gaddafi Capture". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14646334. 24 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); External link in
(help)|newspaper=
- ^ "Rebels Appeal for Gaddafi Capture". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14646334. 24 August 2011.
{{cite news}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); External link in
(help)|newspaper=
- ^ http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/24/libya.saadi.gadhafi/index.html
- ^ Press release (22 August 2011). "NATO and Libya – Operational Media Update for 21 August" (PDF format; requires Adobe Reader). NATO. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Press release (23 August 2011). "NATO and Libya – Operational Media Update for 22 August" (PDF format; requires Adobe Reader). NATO. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
- ^ Press Release (25 August 2011). "NATO and Libya Operational Media Update For 21 AUGUST" (PDF). Retrieved 25 August 2011.
- ^ Press Release (25 August 2011). "NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 23 August 2011". Retrieved 25 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (23 August 2011). "Gadhafi Son Reappears in Tripoli, Claims Father Is Safe". CNN. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "Pro-Quaddafi Forces Reportedly Fire Scud Missile, Intercepted by NATO". KSAZ-TV. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ Staff (22 August 2011). "NATO Says Gaddafi Forces Fire Three Scud-Type Rockets". Reuters. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ [dead link] Staff (24 August 2011). "Battle for Tripoli". BBC News. Retrieved 24 August 2011.