In the chaotic aftermath of the Battle of Sirte, Muammar Gaddafi, the deposed leader of Libya, attempts a desperate escape. On October 20, 2011, his convoy is spotted by NATO forces, leading to an airstrike that immobilizes the vehicles. Trapped and injured, Gaddafi seeks refuge in a drainage pipe, only to be captured by National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters, ending his decades-long rule.
The circumstances surrounding Gaddafi’s capture and death remain shrouded in controversy. Witnesses report conflicting accounts of his final moments, with videos showing him bloodied and pleading with his captors. Despite the chaos, one thing is clear: Gaddafi is executed shortly after being captured, an act criticized worldwide as a violation of international law.
The impact of Gaddafi’s death reverberates globally, marking a pivotal moment in the Arab Spring. Calls for investigations into his killing echo across international platforms, as Libya grapples with the transition to democracy. The incident leaves an indelible mark on the region, influencing political dynamics and international relations.