In March 2011, the situation in Libya intensified as Muammar Gaddafi's forces attempted to exert control over cities mobilized by protesters, particularly in Benghazi, the eastern stronghold of the opposition. Following reports that Gaddafi had ordered his military to crush the rebellion and threatened violence against civilians, the international community, led by France, took decisive action. The French government, asserting the need to protect Libyan civilians and uphold human rights, launched Opération Harmattan, the code name for their military intervention. This act of intervention came in the wake of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which had been passed on March 17, 2011, providing a legal basis for a coalition of states to enforce a no-fly zone and conduct military actions against Libyan military targets.

On March 19, the French Air Force deployed combat aircraft, which carried out airstrikes against Gaddafi's forces, demonstrating a committed approach to preventing further assaults on civilian populations. French President Nicolas Sarkozy emphasized the necessity of intervention, highlighting the moral obligation to protect the Libyan people. The operation soon gained support from other Western nations, including the United Kingdom and the United States, which indicated a wider coalition effort to intervene militarily in Libya. This intervention was part of the broader Arab Spring movement, which sought to overturn autocratic regimes across the Arab world.

The airstrikes targeted military installations and armored units loyal to Gaddafi as a means to weaken the regime's ability to retaliate against the opposition forces. While France took the lead initially, the operation soon expanded to involve NATO allies, marking a significant turning point in international military engagements in the region. Opération Harmattan set the stage for a protracted conflict that would continue to shape Libya's political landscape long after Gaddafi's eventual downfall. Debates ensued regarding the implications of foreign military intervention and the long-term impact on Libya's stability and governance.