Why are there libyan rebels

The latter has appointed a government in the city of Beyda that does not have international recognition. On this seventh anniversary of the Libyan revolution, we take a look at the events that led this North African nation from a protest to a revolution, and ultimately to chaos with no end in sight.

February Hundreds of people clash with police and supporters of longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi over the arrest of a human rights activist in the eastern city of Benghazi. Widespread protests mark the official start of the Libyan revolution. March After spending twenty years in the United States, Khalifa Haftar returned to Libya to lead a rebel army in the east against Gadhafi.

He moved to the United States after he was captured by Chadian forces during the Libya-Chad war in He says that he is no longer willing to represent the Gadhafi regime. April The rebels declare victory in Misrata, an important city in the north west of Libya with significant political power. August The rebels enter Tripoli where they meet little resistance. The NTC announces it plans to hold elections within eight months.

November Saif al Islam is arrested in southern Libya. He is moved to Zintan, near Tripoli. Full Terms and Conditions apply to all Subscriptions.

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World Show more World. He was under house arrest until the revolution and thus has had very little contact with military and political officials for the last 36 years. Khalifa Hiftar.

He returned to his native Libya for the first time in 34 years just a few weeks ago. Abd Al Fattah Yunis. With none of its military figures experienced in commanding roles, the NTC has been forced to look to officers with long ties to the Qaddafi regime.

As a result, the council appointed Yunis, a general and former interior minister, as its chief of staff. A Free Officer who helped Qaddafi plot the coup that brought him to power, Yunis understands the inner workings of the military and how the Libyan leader thinks. Yet his assets have proved to be liabilities as well. Gaddafi has forced them to take up arms. Skip to content Site Navigation The Atlantic. Popular Latest. The Atlantic Crossword. Sign In Subscribe.