Historical Events tagged with "libya"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Capture and Death of Muammar Gaddafi

October 20th, 2011 13 years ago

Rebel forces captured Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in his hometown of Sirte, along with his son Mutassim. Gaddafi was killed shortly after the capture, marking a pivotal moment in the Libyan Civil War. This event officially concluded the civil war and transitioned Libya toward a new political landscape.

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Military & Warfare

Gaddafi's Regime Falls in Libya

August 23rd, 2011 13 years ago

Muammar Gaddafi's regime falls as National Transitional Council forces seize Bab al-Azizia compound in Libya. This crucial event marks a turning point in the Libyan Civil War, leading to the downfall of Gaddafi's long-standing rule. The loss of the compound, previously regarded as Gaddafi's stronghold, signifies the deterioration of his control over the country. The fighting culminates in the capture of Tripoli, igniting celebrations among Libyan citizens who desire freedom from authoritarian governance.

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Military & Warfare

French Air Force Launches Opération Harmattan

March 19th, 2011 13 years ago

After the Libyan government forces failed to capture Benghazi, the French Air Force initiated Opération Harmattan. This military operation marked the beginning of a larger foreign intervention aimed at protecting civilians amidst the escalating conflict in Libya. The French intervention came as a response to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorized the use of force to prevent attacks on Libyan citizens. The operation signaled a key moment in the Libyan Civil War, as international powers began to directly engage in the conflict.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Protests Erupt Against Muammar Gaddafi's Rule

February 17th, 2011 14 years ago

Demonstrations in Libya began as part of wider protests across the Arab world, fueled by demands for democracy and socioeconomic reforms. Starting in the eastern city of Benghazi, the protests quickly escalated, with citizens expressing anger over corruption and the oppressive regime of Muammar Gaddafi. The atmosphere was charged as people took to the streets, calling for an end to Gaddafi's long-standing rule, which had lasted more than four decades.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771 crashes during landing

May 12th, 2010 14 years ago

Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771, en route from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Tripoli, Libya, crashed on its final approach at Tripoli International Airport. The aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, was carrying 104 people, including passengers and crew. Tragically, only one survivor, a 9-year-old boy, emerged from the wreckage. Investigations revealed that technical issues and adverse weather conditions contributed to the disaster, marking a somber moment for aviation safety.

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Politics & Government

U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Libya for Cooperation

April 24th, 2004 20 years ago

The United States decided to lift economic sanctions on Libya, which had been imposed for 18 years, as a result of Libya's efforts to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction program. This significant diplomatic move was intended to reward Libya's compliance with international disarmament norms, marking a turning point in U.S.-Libya relations. The lifting of sanctions was part of a broader strategy to improve bilateral ties and engage Libya in the global community. This decision was announced in the context of increasing diplomatic efforts by the U.S. and its allies to promote stability and cooperation in the region.

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Politics & Government

UN Lifts Sanctions Against Libya

September 12th, 2003 21 years ago

The United Nations lifted sanctions against Libya after the nation agreed to accept responsibility for the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 and committed to compensating the victims' families. This decision followed years of diplomatic negotiations and was part of Libya's efforts to reintegrate into the international community. The bombing, which occurred over Lockerbie, Scotland, killed 270 people and had significant geopolitical implications, impacting US-Libya relations for decades.

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Space Exploration

Asteroid Explosion Over Mediterranean Sea

June 6th, 2002 22 years ago

A near-Earth asteroid approximately ten meters in diameter exploded over the Mediterranean Sea between Greece and Libya. The explosion generated a force estimated at 26 kilotons, making it slightly more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. This explosive event occurred in a remote area, allowing it to be observed without immediate impact on populated regions. Scientists were able to study the phenomenon closely due to the magnitude and location.

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Crime & Law

Libyan Abdelbaset al-Megrahi Convicted

January 31st, 2001 24 years ago

Scottish judges in the Netherlands found Abdelbaset al-Megrahi guilty of orchestrating the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. The attack resulted in the deaths of 270 passengers and crew aboard Pan Am Flight 103, which was blown up over Lockerbie, Scotland, while flying from London to New York. The verdict was reached after a lengthy trial held in a specially constructed court in the Netherlands. Another Libyan citizen, Lamen Khalifa Fhimah, was acquitted of all charges.

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