Battle of Tripoli (2011)

{{Short description|Battle of the First Libyan Civil War}} {{about|the battle in August 2011|the skirmishes in February 2011|Tripoli protests and clashes (February 2011)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}} {{Infobox military conflict | conflict = Battle of Tripoli (2011) | partof = the [[2011 Libyan Civil War|First Libyan Civil War]] | image = File:Ambassador Cretz Stands by Fist Crushing a U.S. Fighter Plane Sculpture.jpg | image_size = 250px | caption = [[Fist Crushing a U.S. Fighter Plane Sculpture]] which was toppled and captured in [[Bab al-Azizia]] in Tripoli. | date = 20–28 August 2011 ({{Age in months, weeks and days|month1=08|day1=20|year1=2011|month2=08|day2=28|year2=2011}}) | place = [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]], [[Libya]] | result = Decisive [[Anti-Gaddafi forces|Anti-Gaddafi]] victory * Capture of Tripoli by rebel forces * Fall of the Jamahiriya Regime.<ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-31-2011-1131 Wednesday, August 31, 2011 - 09:31 GMT+3 - Libya]</ref> * Majority of Government affiliates either killed or fled to exile.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gadhafi Family Members in Algeria, Ambassador Says |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/29/libya.algeria.gadhafi/index.html?hpt=hp_c1 |date=29 August 2011 |access-date=29 August 2011 |work=[[CNN]]}}</ref> * Gaddafi flees to [[Sirte]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-sirte-idUSTRE78R2IA20110928 |title=Gaddafi hometown a hazardous prize for Libya's NTC |first=Alexander |last=Dziadosz |location=Sirte |date=28 September 2011 |access-date=29 January 2012 |work=Reuters |archive-date=26 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126032803/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/28/us-libya-sirte-idUSTRE78R2IA20110928 |url-status=live}}</ref> * [[Sirte]] and [[Bani Walid]] remains under Loyalists control.<ref>Libya conflict: Pro-Gaddafi troops "cornered" in Sirte https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15242235</ref> | combatant1 = {{tree list}} *'''{{flagicon|Libya|1951}} [[National Transitional Council]]''' ** [[National Liberation Army (Libya)|National Liberation Army]] *** [[Tripoli Brigade]] '''Support:''' {{flagicon|Qatar}} [[Qatar]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/26/qatar-troops-libya-rebels-support |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Ian |last=Black |title=Qatar admits sending hundreds of troops to support Libya rebels |date=26 October 2011}}</ref><ref name="lenta.ru">[http://lenta.ru/news/2011/08/24/qatari/ В боях за Триполи принял участие иностранный спецназ]</ref> {{flag|UAE}}<ref name="lenta.ru"/> ---- *'''{{flagicon|United Nations}} [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973|UN Coalition forces]]'''<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/18/3167294.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321002319/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/18/3167294.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 March 2011 |title=UN Clears Way for Libyan No-Fly Zone |date=18 March 2011 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |access-date=24 August 2011}}</ref> ** {{flagicon|NATO}} [[2011 military intervention in Libya|NATO command]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/03/25/nato-to-enforce-no-fly-zone-over-libya.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326225743/http://www.dawn.com/2011/03/25/nato-to-enforce-no-fly-zone-over-libya.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 March 2011 |title=Nato Takes Control of Enforcing Libya No-Fly Zone |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |access-date= 24 August 2011 |date=25 March 2011}}</ref> {{tree list/end}} | combatant2 = {{tree list}} *{{flagdeco|Libyan Arab Jamahiriya|1977}} '''[[Libyan Arab Jamahiriya]]''' ** [[Armed forces of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya|Libyan Armed Forces]] ** [[Armed forces of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya|Paramilitary forces]] '''Support:''' *{{Flag|Belarus}} ** 334th Special Forces Detachment<ref name="РИА">[https://ria.ru/20180202/1513834267.html Источник: освобожденный из плена в Ливии белорусский военный прибыл в Минск]</ref> ** Snipers<ref name="снайпера">{{Cite web |url=https://ex-press.by/rubrics/politika/2011/09/06/belorusskie-snajpery-zashhishhali-kaddafi-v-livii |title=Белорусские снайперы защищали Каддафи в Ливии? |access-date=28 April 2020 |archive-date=24 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724145852/https://ex-press.by/rubrics/politika/2011/09/06/belorusskie-snajpery-zashhishhali-kaddafi-v-livii |url-status=dead}}</ref> ** Military specialists<ref name="комс">[https://www.kp.ru/daily/26790.7/3823973/ В Минск вернулся белорус, который провел в ливийском плену больше шести лет // Комсомольская правда, 2 февраля 2018]</ref> {{tree list/end}} | commander1 = {{flagicon|Libya|1951}} '''[[Mustafa Abdul Jalil]]''' {{flagicon|Libya|1951}} [[Mahmoud Jibril]] {{flagicon|Libya|1951}} [[Mahdi al-Harati]] {{flagicon|Libya|1951}} [[Abu Oweis]] {{flagicon|Libya|1951}} [[Abdelhakim Belhadj]] {{flagicon|Libya|1951}} [[Khalifa Haftar]] ---- {{flagicon|NATO}}{{flagicon|Canada}} [[Charles Bouchard]] | commander2 = {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} '''[[Muammar Gaddafi]]''' {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Saif al-Islam Gaddafi]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Al-Saadi Gaddafi]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Khamis Gaddafi]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Mutassim Gaddafi]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Ayesha Gaddafi]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Abdullah Senussi]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Mohammed Abdullah al-Senussi]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Mansour Dhao]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Moussa Ibrahim]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Abuzed Dorda]] {{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Baghdadi Mahmudi]] | strength1 = 8,000<ref name=secretplan>[http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7853C520110906?irpc=932] (6 September 2011). Retrieved 6 September 2011. "Secret plan to take Tripoli."</ref> ([[Tripoli Brigade]]) | strength2 = 3,000~ ([[Khamis Brigade]]) | casualties1 = {{Flagicon|Libya}} 2,400 killed<ref name="30k">{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/libyan-estimate-least-30-000-died-war-074915415.html |title=Libyan estimate: At least 30,000 died in the war |access-date=2011-10-15}}</ref> several wounded and killed foreign soldiers<ref>[https://maxpark.com/community/2020/content/794154 По данным из Триполи, серьезные потери понесла группа британского спецназа]</ref> | casualties2 = {{Flagicon|Libya|1977}} 128+ killed<ref>31 killed (20 August),[https://web.archive.org/web/20120725181225/http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFC6E7JA01720110821] 1 killed (22 August),[http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/25/libya.freed.journalists/index.html] 3 killed (23 August),[https://web.archive.org/web/20110825134912/http://www.dawn.com/2011/08/23/libya-rebels-launch-massive-attack-on-qadhafi-lair.html] 38 killed (24 August),[https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/26/world/africa/nato-joins-hunt-for-qaddafi-gadhafi-gaddafi.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1][https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8731283/Libyan-behind-Yvonne-Fletchers-killing-found-dead.html] 12 killed (25 August),[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-africa-14670820] 1 killed (26 August),[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/08/2011826573517261.html] 22 killed (28 August),[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-idUSTRE77A2Y920110827] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154903/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/27/us-libya-idUSTRE77A2Y920110827 |date=24 September 2015}} 20 killed (Unknown), [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14874060] total of 128 reportedly killed</ref> 600 captured<ref>{{cite news |date=24 August 2011 |url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/400-dead-2000-wounded-over-tripoli-20110824-1j8zc.html |title=400 Dead, 2,000 Wounded Over Tripoli |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |access-date= 24 August 2011}}</ref> 1 [[tank]] destroyed 4 [[armoured fighting vehicle|armoured vehicles]] destroyed 4 [[technical (vehicle)|technical]]s destroyed 2 [[Multiple rocket launcher|MRLS]] destroyed {{Flagicon|Belarus}} 4 prisoners<ref name="комс"/> | casualties3 = 108 civilians killed<ref name="30k" /><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15095594 Libya conflict: Nato hits Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte]</ref> 167 unidentified killed<ref>[http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/secret-gaddafi-era-morgue-discovered-4467423 Secret Gaddafi-era morgue discovered] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024000037/http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/secret-gaddafi-era-morgue-discovered-4467423 |date=24 October 2011}}</ref> }}

{{Campaignbox Libyan civil war}} The '''Battle of Tripoli''' ({{langx|ar|ﻣﻌﺮﻛﺔ ﻃﺮﺍﺑﻠﺲ}} {{transliteration|ar|''ma'arakat Ṭarābulis''}}), sometimes referred to as the '''Fall of Tripoli''' ({{langx|ar|سقوط طرابلس}} {{transliteration|ar|''suqūt Ṭarābulis''}}), was a military confrontation in [[Tripoli, Libya]], between [[Gaddafi loyalism|loyalists]] of [[Muammar Gaddafi]], the longtime leader of Libya, and the [[National Transitional Council]], which was attempting to overthrow Gaddafi and take control of the capital. The battle began on 20 August 2011,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author=Al Jazeera Staff |title=Battle for Libya: Key moments |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/4/30/battle-for-libya-key-moments-3 |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> six months after the [[2011 Libyan Civil War|First 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 take control of the nation's capital.

[[File:Tripolitanian Front-final.svg|thumb|Map showing the situation after the battle within western Libya {{leftlegend|#ff6f0f| Held by Anti-Gaddafi forces.(Checkered: Maximum Loyalists gains, April–May.)}} {{leftlegend|#ffbd91|Rebel gains after the western coastal offensive in August.}} {{leftlegend|#aade87| Last loyalist pockets.}}]]

The rebels codenamed the assault "Operation Mermaid Dawn"<ref name=":0" />({{langx|ar|ﻋﻤﻠﻴﺔ ﻓﺠﺮ ﻋﺮﻭﺳﺔ ﺍﻟﺒﺤﺮ}} {{transliteration|ar|''ʻamaliyyat fajr ʻarūsat el-baḥr''}}). Tripoli's nickname is "The Mermaid" ({{langx|ar|ﻋﺮﻭﺳﺔ ﺍﻟﺒﺤﺮ}} {{transliteration|ar|''ʻarūsat el-baḥr''}}) (literally "bride of the sea").<ref name=AJEOMD>{{cite news |date=21 August 2011 |title=Libyan Rebels in "Final Push" for Capital |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/08/201182193129278233.html |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |access-date=24 August 2011}}</ref>

== Background == === Opposition in Tripoli === Tripoli was the scene of major clashes and a [[2011 Tripoli clashes|failed uprising in February 2011]]. Protesters filled [[Martyrs' Square, Tripoli|Green Square]] (since renamed Martyrs' Square by the former rebels<ref>{{cite news |last=Lamb |first=Franklin |date=25 August 2011 |url=http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2011/08/25/whither-gaddafi-tripoli-and-libya |title=Whither Gaddafi, Tripoli and Libya? |work=Foreign Policy Journal |access-date=28 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=27 August 2011 |url=http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16057919|title=Sky Correspondent On "Amazing" Tripoli Scene |work=Sky News |access-date=28 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908075538/http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16057919 |archive-date=8 September 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Garcia-Navarro |first=Lourdes |date=24 August 2011 |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/08/24/139925668/libyan-rebels-struggle-to-impose-order-on-tripoli |title=Libyan Rebels Struggle To Impose Order on Tripoli |work=NPR |access-date=28 August 2011}}</ref>), and set fire to the [[People's Hall, Tripoli|People's Hall]] of the [[General People's Congress (Libya)|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. Loyalists shut down the internet thus cutting access to social networks structuring the opposition, while the extensive design of Tripoli did not allow protests to reach critical mass.<ref name="doubleagent">{{Subscription required|date=August 2011}}{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111904875404576530700997174360 |title=A Double Agent in Gadhafi Camp |last1=Levinson |first1=Charles |last2=Coker |first2=Margaret |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=26 August 2011 |access-date=28 August 2011}}</ref> The opposition was largely weakened, with supporters being unable to connect anonymously and fearing repression, so active members set up meetings to restructure the local opposition.<ref name=doubleagent/> Several loyalists organizing the crackdown were actually double agents, informing rebels of governmental moves and future arrest attempts.<ref name=doubleagent/> Further attempts at protests took place over the next few months with little success. Residents stated that a nighttime [[Guerrilla warfare|guerrilla war]] was taking place in the streets of Tripoli, as armed rebels reportedly started to control many of the smaller streets in rebel-sympathising districts.<ref>{{cite news |last=Golovnina |first=Maria |date=11 April 2011 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/libya-guerrilla-idUKLDE73A15F20110411 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202134933/http://uk.reuters.com/article/libya-guerrilla-idUKLDE73A15F20110411 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 February 2016 |title=Rebels Resort to Guerrilla Tactics in Western Libya |work=Reuters UK |agency=Reuters |location=Tripoli |access-date=10 September 2012}}</ref>

== Timeline of the battle == ===19 August=== The combined assault on Tripoli was reportedly organised by rebels when it became clear that there would be no successful spontaneous uprising in the capital.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rebels' Assault on Tripoli Began with Careful Work Inside|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/23/world/africa/23reconstruct.html|access-date=25 August 2011|work = [[The New York Times]] |date= 22 August 2011|last1=Fahim|first1=Kareem|last2=Mazzetti|first2=Mark}}</ref> According to rebel sources, weapons were smuggled by tugboat into Tripoli during the evening.<ref name=heavygunfire>{{cite news|last=Lopez|first=Dario|date=21 August 2011|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Heavy-gunfire-in-Tripoli-as-rebels-close-in/tabid/417/articleID/222904/Default.aspx|title=Heavy Gunfire in Tripoli as Rebels Close In|agency=Associated Press|work=TV3 News|access-date=22 August 2011}}</ref>

===20 August=== Rebel forces within Zawiya fought for control of a strategic bridge on the road to Tripoli, {{convert|27|km|abbr=off}} from the capital. They planned for a major offensive on Tripoli that would take place on the following day.<ref>{{cite news|date=20 August 2011|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-21-2011-0017|title=Libya Live Blog: Saturday, August 20, 2011 – 22:17|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=22 August 2011}}</ref>

==== Uprising within Tripoli ==== At just after 8 pm, the uprising within Tripoli began when a group of rebels took over the Ben Nabi Mosque,<ref name="telegraph.co.uk">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8727076/How-the-special-forces-helped-bring-Gaddafi-to-his-knees.html |location=London |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Sean |last=Rayment |title=How the special forces helped bring Gaddafi to his knees |date=28 August 2011}}</ref> and began calling the signal of [[Iftar]] (إفطار) – the moment Muslims observing Ramadan break their evening fast.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Missy |date=22 August 2011 |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-58893220110822 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306161822/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-58893220110822 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 March 2016 |title=Gaddafi Tanks Emerge After Rebels Sweep into Tripoli |agency=Reuters |access-date=22 August 2011 |work=Reuters India}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Reevell |first=James |date=31 May 2011 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8714522/Libya-how-Operation-Mermaid-Dawn-the-move-to-take-Tripoli-unfolded.html |title=Libya: How "Operation Mermaid Dawn", The Move To Take Tripoli, Unfolded |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=21 August 2011 |location=London}}</ref> Tripoli residents barricaded their streets and districts with [[burning tires]], joining up with other anti-government opponents.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news |last1=Harding |first1=Luke |last2=Beaumont |first2=Peter |date=21 August 2011 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/aug/20/libya-gaddafi-tripoli-escape-reports |title=Libyan Rebels Close in Amid Reports of Fierce Fighting in Tripoli |work=The Guardian |access-date=21 August 2011 |location=London}}</ref> The uprisings quickly spread through Tripoli, notably the neighbourhoods of Fashloum, [[Souq al Jum'aa]], [[Tajura]] and Ben Ashur, and continued throughout the rest of the city.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 August 2011 |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/20/libya.war/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821024538/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/20/libya.war/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 August 2011 |title=Gadhafi Defiant as Rebels Claim To Take "Revolution" Inside Tripoli |work=[[CNN]] |access-date=22 August 2011}}</ref> That night, heavy fighting was reported in the neighbourhoods of Suq al Jum'a, Arrada street and 20th of Ramdan street (formerly known as 11 June Street),<ref>{{cite news |last=Lamloum |first=Imed |date=21 August 2011 |url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/fighting-erupts-in-tripoli-20110821-1j4b5.html |title=Libya Rebels Close in on Tripoli |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |access-date=22 August 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 August 2011 |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-08/21/c_131063416.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108021850/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-08/21/c_131063416.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 November 2012 |title=Libyan Rebels Capture Weapons Depot in Capital |work=[[Xinhua News Agency]] |access-date=22 August 2011}}</ref> Tripoli residents received text messages from the government, asking them to go out onto the street and "eliminate the armed agents".<ref>{{cite news |last=Lowe |first=Christian |date=20 August 2011 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/libya-tripoli-protests-idUSLDE77J04W20110820 |title=Anti-Gaddafi Protests in Tripoli Streets: Residents |work=[[Reuters]] |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=26 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726045433/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/20/libya-tripoli-protests-idUSLDE77J04W20110820 |url-status=live}}</ref> Heavy fighting within the capital was confirmed by reporters within the city, who heard explosions and sustained gunfire.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 August 2011 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14605391 |title=Libya Conflict: Heavy Gunfire Erupts in Tripoli |work=[[BBC News]] |access-date=22 August 2011}}</ref>

Initially, a governmental spokesman stated that all was safe and well within the city and that loyalist forces remained in control of Tripoli.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 August 2011 |url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/20/heavy-clashes-marked-by-gunfire-screams-break-out-in-area-of-tripoli/ |title=Live Blog: Clashes Reported as Rebels Claim To Take Right into Tripoli |work=[[CNN]] |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=2 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902130920/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/20/heavy-clashes-marked-by-gunfire-screams-break-out-in-area-of-tripoli/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> 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."<ref name="heavygunfire"/>

A group of students of the Fateh University who were sympathetic to the rebellion rose up against the armed guards that patrolled the perimeter and the snipers in the taller buildings and seized control of the university during the night.<ref>{{cite news |author=Babak Dehghanpisheh |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/09/08/muammar-gaddafi-s-shocking-university-love-den.html |title=Muammar Gaddafi's Shocking University Love Den |newspaper=The Daily Beast |date=8 September 2011 |publisher=Thedailybeast.com |access-date=2015-04-15}}</ref>

===21 August=== Rebel forces began advancing east from [[Zawiya, Libya|Zawiya]] towards Tripoli; they took the town of [[Joudaim]], east of Zawiya, meeting only light resistance from loyalist forces.<ref name="soncaptured">{{cite web| date = 21 August 2011 | url=http://news.sky.com/home/article/16053951|title=Libyan Rebels: 'Colonel Gaddafi's Son Captured'|work= [[Sky News]] | access-date = 24 August 2011}}</ref><ref>Staff (21 August 2011). [http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/08/21/libyan-rebels-only-miles-from-tripoli-as-mad-dog-gaddafi-is-cornered-86908-23361562/ "Libyan Rebels Only Miles from Tripoli as Mad Dog Gaddafi Is Cornered"]. ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]''. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref> Next, the town of [[Al Maya]] just west of Tripoli was taken.<ref name=AJEOMD/> Just outside Tripoli, the headquarters of the elite [[Khamis Brigade]] was captured by the rebels, who faced only light resistance.<ref name=khamisbrigadetele>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8728597/Libya-last-act-of-bloody-vengeance-by-Khamis-Brigade.html|date = 28 August 2011|access-date = 19 November 2011|work =The Telegraph|title=Libya: last act of bloody vengeance by Khamis Brigade|first=Richard|last=Spencer|location=Tripoli}}</ref>

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.<ref>Staff (21 August 2011). [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-21-2011-1822 "''Libya Live Blog'': Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 15:22"]. [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref> Following the rebel amphibious landing, they advanced towards the Mitiga airbase.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://live.reuters.com/Event/Tripoli_Besieged?Page=3 | work=Reuters | title=Battle for Tripoli }}</ref>

[[Al Arabiya]] and [[Al Jazeera Media Network|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.<ref>Staff (21 August 2011). [http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/08/21/163268.html "Qaddafi Scorns Rebel 'Rats' as Fighting Breaks Out in Besieged Tripoli"]. [[Al Arabiya]]. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref><ref>Staff (20 August 2011). [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-21-2011-0134 "''Libya Live Blog'': Sunday, August 20, 2011 – 01:34"]. [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]. Retrieved 22 August 2011.</ref> The entire Tajura district was captured by rebel forces, while fighting in Suk al-Juma, Araba district and Mitiga International Airport continued.<ref>Valdmanis, Richard; Lowe, Christian (20 August 2011). [https://web.archive.org/web/20120725203734/http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77J06920110820 "Update 1–Libyan Rebels Fight for Tripoli Airbase – Activist"]. [[Reuters]]. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref> A rebel representative stated that the operation was "going easily", with the end target being Gaddafi's [[Bab al-Azizia]] compound.<ref>Staff (21 August 2011). [https://archive.today/20120527091358/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/20/libya.war/ "Gadhafi Defiant as Rebels Claim To Take 'Revolution' Inside Tripoli"]. [[CNN]]. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref>

A resident speaking to Al Jazeera from Tajura in Tripoli said 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.<ref name=khamisbrigadetele/>

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, Fashloom, and Zawiyat al-Dahmani neighbourhoods in Tripoli; the rebels also controlled large portions of the Fashloom, Zawiyat al-Dahmani, and Mansura districts.<ref>Staff (21 August 2011). [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-21-2011-1407 "''Libya Live Blog'': Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 12:07"]. [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref> They also took control of a Tripoli mobile-telephone company.<ref>Staff (21 August 2011). [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-21-2011-1838 "''Libya Live Blog'': Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 15:38"]. [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref>

Rebel forces advancing from Zawiya entered the Janzur 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.<ref name=soncaptured/><ref>Staff (21 August 2011). [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-21-2011-2306 "''Libya Live Blog'': Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 20:06"]. [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref>

Shortly after taking Janzur, rebels from the Tripoli Brigade took control of the Gheryan bridge, considered the western entrance to Tripoli proper, and entered the Syhia district and began clearing it. They took Hay al Andalus area shortly after and immediately advanced into the Gergraish area of Central Tripoli.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://live.reuters.com/Event/Tripoli_Besieged?Page=6 | work=Reuters | title=Battle for Tripoli }}</ref>

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.<ref>Sehgal, Ujala; Simpson, Connor (21 August 2011). [http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2011/08/qaddafis-last-stand/41530/ "Qaddafi Is Missing as Rebels Gain Control of Most of Tripoli"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915011156/http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2011/08/qaddafis-last-stand/41530/ |date=15 September 2011}}. [[The Atlantic Wire]]. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref>

Civilians were reportedly celebrating in Tripoli's streets as rebel forces entered the city with little resistance.<ref name="soncaptured" /> A senior rebel official, [[Fathi al-Baja]], told the [[Associated Press]] that one of the reasons for his group's rapid advance was that Mohammed Eshkal, the head of Mohammed Megrayef Brigade which was assigned to defend the city, was sympathetic to the rebels since the regime had killed his cousin years earlier, such that when rebels reached the gates of Tripoli, the battalion promptly surrendered, allowing the rebels to sweep into the capital with relative ease, facing little resistance.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk"/><ref>[[Luke Harding|Harding, Luke]]; Davies, Lizzy (22 August 2011). [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/aug/22/libya-gaddafi-forces-battle-rebels "Libya: Gaddafi Forces Battle On After Rebels Enter Tripoli"]. ''[[The Guardian]]''. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/08/22/163431.html|work=Al Arabiya|date=22 August 2011|access-date=24 January 2012|title=Qaddafi gov't military surrenders to rebel council amid euphoric advance on Tripoli|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823195358/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/08/22/163431.html|archive-date=23 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Reported capture of two of Gaddafi's sons ==== On 21 August, the NTC chairman claimed that [[Saif al-Islam Gaddafi]] had been captured<ref>al-Fatash, Ramadan (21 August 2011). [http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/gaddafi-s-sons-arrested-report-1.1122085?showComments=true "Gaddafi's Sons Arrested – Report"]. [[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref><ref>Katrandjian, Olivia (21 August 2011). [https://abcnews.go.com/International/libyan-rebels-captured-gadhafis-son-tripoli/story?id=14349513 "Libyan Rebels Control Much of Tripoli, Gadhafi Whereabouts Unknown"]. [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref> and the UK representative of the NTC repeated the claim<ref>El-Shenawi, Eman (22 August 2011). [http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/08/22/163423.html "Qaddafi Plea: "Save Libya" ; Seif Al Islam Captured, Eldest Son Surrenders to rebels"]. [[Al Arabiya]]. Retrieved 25 August 2011.</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lamloum |first=Imed |date=21 August 2011 |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/libyan-rebels-take-tripolis-green-square |title=Libyan Rebels Take Tripoli's Green Square |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |work=[[National Post]] |access-date=23 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=22 August 2011 |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/muammar-gaddafis-son-has-been-arrested-and-will-face-charges-of-crimes-against-humanity/story-e6frg6so-1226119478596 |title=Muammar Gaddafi's Son Has Been Arrested, and Will Face Charges of Crimes Against Humanity |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |work=[[The Australian]] |access-date=23 August 2011}}</ref> However, early on 23 August, Saif al-Islam appeared to be quite obviously not in rebel custody as he appeared at the [[Rixos Hotels|Rixos Al Nasr]] hotel where several foreign journalists were located and offered to give reporters a tour of loyalist-controlled areas.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Erdbrink |first1=Thomas |last2=Sly |first2=Liz |last3=Fade |first3=Leila |date=23 August 2011 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/appearance-by-gaddafis-son-tempers-rebel-hopes-of-victory/2011/08/23/gIQAZMWZYJ_story.html |title=Appearance by Gaddafi's Son Tempers Rebel Hopes of Victory |work=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=23 August 2011}}</ref>

Al Jazeera also reported in its video that [[Muhammad Gaddafi]], Muammar Gaddafi's oldest son, had handed himself over to rebel forces.<ref>Staff (21 August 2011). [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-22-2011-0104 "''Libya Live Blog'': Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 23:04"]. [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref> Later, it was reported that he had not voluntarily surrendered himself, and one rebel was killed while capturing him.<ref>Staff (22 August 2011). [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-22-2011-0348 "''Libya Live Blog'': Monday, August 22, 2011 – 01:48"]. [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref> Al Jazeera confirmed the capture and interviewed Muhammad; he took an apologetic tone and blamed what caused the revolution as a lack of wisdom.<ref>Staff (22 August 2011). [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-22-2011-0335 "''Libya Live Blog'': Monday, August 22, 2011 – 01:35"]. [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref> However, it was reported later that Muhammad escaped from house arrest the next day with the aid of loyalist forces.<ref name="22august2011">{{cite web |title=''Libya Live Blog'': Monday, August 22, 2011 – 18:22 |work=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] |date=22 August 2011 |url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-22-2011-2122 |access-date=22 August 2011}}</ref>

When the Libyana telephone company building was taken by the Tripoli Brigade, they sent out the following text message to the people of Tripoli : <blockquote>''God is Great, We congratulate the people of Libya on the fall of the Gaddafi regime''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://live.reuters.com/Event/Tripoli_Besieged?Page=10 |work=Reuters |title=Battle for Tripoli}}</ref></blockquote>

===22 August=== By 1 am Tripoli time, rebels stated that 90% of Tripoli had been captured, including Green Square in central Tripoli.<ref>(23 August 2011). [https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/gaddafi-son-resurfaces-free-and-vowing-to-fight-465247 "Gaddafi son resurfaces, free and vowing to fight"]. ''[[NDTV]]''. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref> Al Jazeera and the BBC News, among other news stations, all reported and confirmed that opposition fighters had entered Green Square.<ref>Staff (22 August 2011). [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-22-2011-0300-0 "''Libya Live Blog'': Monday, August 22, 2011 – 01:00"]. [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref>

In the morning, Agence France-Presse reported that fighting was ongoing near Gaddafi's compound and in the south of the city. A rebel commander said the loyalists still controlled 15 to 20% of the city. Initially one, then multiple tanks left the Gaddafi residence and began shelling areas of Tripoli.<ref name=rebelstaketrip>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/libyan-rebels-most-tripoli-034039732.html|title=Libyan rebels take most of Tripoli|work=Yahoo|agency=Associated Press|date=22 August 2011|access-date=10 September 2012|first1=Ben|last1=Hubbard|first2=Karin|last2=Laub|location=Tripoli}}</ref> Heavy fighting continued around the Rixos Al Nasr hotel, which housed foreign journalists in Tripoli and remained a government stronghold.<ref name=rebelstaketrip/> Journalists were not allowed to leave the hotel by government forces and were described as being used as a "human shield".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8288763/journalists-trapped-inside-tripoli-hotel |title=Journalists Trapped Inside Tripoli Hotel |work=[[ninemsn]] |date=22 August 2011 |access-date=23 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007025728/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8288763/journalists-trapped-inside-tripoli-hotel |archive-date=7 October 2012 |df=dmy}}</ref>

A column of hundreds of armed rebels carrying [[rocket launcher]]s was reported heading towards Green Square.<ref>Lowe, Christian (22 August 2011). [https://web.archive.org/web/20120725182413/http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77L08W20110822 "Large Rebel Column Heads to Tripoli's Green Square"]. [[Reuters]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref>

An independent Libyan news channel reported some looting at the expatriate [[Palm City in Libya|Palm City]] village, just outside Tripoli, but this could not be confirmed.<ref>{{cite news |author = Onians, Charles |date = 22 August 2011 |url = http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110822/local/life-at-the-tripoli-corinthia-amid-the-tension.381450 |agency = [[Agence France-Presse]]|work=[[The Times (Malta)|The Times]]| title = Life at the Tripoli Conrinthia Amid the Tension |access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref> Fighting continued around the Gaddafi compound and near the port, with loyalists using tanks to defend the area.<ref>Lowe, Christian (22 August 2011). [https://web.archive.org/web/20120725183603/http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77L0B320110822 "Gaddafi Loyalists Defend Compound with Tanks – Rebels"]. [[Reuters]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref>

Libyan state television channels went off air by the afternoon, and rebels were in control of the state TV building.<ref name="bloomberg220811"/>

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,<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/08/22/Rebels-control-great-majority-of-Tripoli/UPI-80251313996400?dailybrief |title = Rebels Control 'Great Majority' of Tripoli | work = [[United Press International]] |date = 22 August 2011 |access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref> and part of the port.<ref>{{cite news |date = 22 August 2011 |url = http://www.tv3.ie/article.php?article_id=61945&locID=1.2&pagename=news |title = Gaddafi's Reign Crumbles to Its End |work = [[TV3 (Ireland)|TV3]] |access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref> The situation at the Mitiga International Airport was unclear, though many news organizations reported that rebels had taken it.<ref name=bloomberg220811>{{cite news |last1=Stephen |first1=Chris |last2=Alexander |first2=Caroline |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-21/libya-rebels-battle-qaddafi-troops-in-tripoli-say-they-hold-neighborhoods.html |title = Libyan Rebels Control Most of Tripoli as Qaddafi Remains Elusive |work = [[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] |date = 22 August 2011 |access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref>

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.<ref name="fathersafe">{{cite news| url = http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/22/libya.war/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025141832/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/22/libya.war/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = 25 October 2012 | title = Gadhafi Son Reappears in Tripoli, Claims Father Is Safe | work = [[CNN]] | date = 23 August 2011 | access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref>

In the evening, rebel forces who were fighting in the western part of Tripoli were pushed back.<ref>Staff (22 August 2011). [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14611549 "Libya Conflict: Fighting for Tripoli Rages On"]. [[BBC News]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref> Also, reports surfaced that Muammar Gaddafi managed to escape house arrest with the help of loyalist fighters.<ref name="22august2011"/>

In the night of 22 August, a rebel said he expected a hard fight for Gaddafi's compound, confirmed Muhammad Gaddafi's escape and said that rebels were establishing checkpoints at the entrances of Tripoli.<ref>{{cite news |last= Valdmanis |first=Richard |date = 22 August 2011 |url = https://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77L0UE20110822 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120725172529/http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE77L0UE20110822 |url-status = dead |archive-date = 25 July 2012 |agency = Reuters|work=Reuters Africa|location=Cairo |title = Fight for Gaddafi Compound Will Be Hard – Rebels |access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref>

[[Misrata Military Council|Misrata's local military council]] said they sent several ships "with a large number of fighters and ammunition on board" as reinforcements to Tripoli.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-23/gaddafis-son-leads-regime-fightback/2851542/?site=sydney|work=ABC|date=23 August 2011|access-date=19 November 2011|title=Gaddafi's son leads regime fightback}}</ref>

====Status of Gaddafi family==== The location of Muammar Gaddafi was unclear on 22 August; it was thought that he could still be staying in Tripoli, surrounded by the remaining forces in his Bab al-Azizia compound, but this was yet to be determined.<ref>{{cite news |date = 22 August 2011 |url = http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4112204,00.html |title = Report: Gaddafi Could Be in Tripoli Compound |agency= [[Agence France-Presse]]|work=Yedioth Ahronoth |access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref> Another report had him in the Tajura cardiac hospital.<ref>{{cite news |author = Ajbaili, Mustapha |date = 22 August 2011 |url = http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/08/22/163445.html |title = Libyan Rebels Celebrate Victory in Tripoli, Reports Say Qaddafi Still in Capital |work= [[Al Arabiya]] |access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref> Al Jazeera reported that Muammar Gaddafi allegedly had successfully resisted an attempt to arrest him at the hospital.<ref>{{cite news |date = 23 August 2011 |url = https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna44224936 |work = NBC News |title = Gadhafi Son, Reported Arrested, Appears at Tripoli Hotel |access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref>

[[Mutassim Gaddafi]] was allegedly remaining in the Bab al-Azizia compound directing the remaining defences,<ref>{{cite news |date = 22 August 2011 |url = http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/libyan-pm-escapes-to-tunisia-2011-08-22-1.414541 |work= [[Emirates 24/7]] |title = Libyam PM Escapes to Tunisia |access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date = 22 August 2011 |url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-08/22/c_131067055.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121108024042/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-08/22/c_131067055.htm |url-status = dead |archive-date = 8 November 2012 |title = Libyan PM, Head of TV Union on Tunisian Island |work = [[Xinhua News Agency]] |access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |author = Rainey, Venetia |date = 22 August 2011 |url = http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/83419,people,news,three-held-one-fighting-back-tale-of-gaddafis-four-sons-saif-muhammad-and-khamis-in-libya |title = Three Held, One Fighting Back |work = [[The First Post]] |access-date = 23 August 2011}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

Al Arabiya reported that a third Gaddafi son, [[Al-Saadi Gaddafi]], had been captured by the rebels, citing the head of the NTC.<ref>{{cite news | date = 22 August 2011 | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-saadi-idUSTRE77L3PI20110822 | title = Libya Rebels Capture Gaddafi's Son Saadi: TV | work = [[Reuters]] | access-date = 23 August 2011 | archive-date = 20 October 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111020062924/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/22/us-libya-saadi-idUSTRE77L3PI20110822 | url-status = live }}</ref> He had been reported captured as well the previous day, so it was unclear when and where the capture took place.<ref>{{cite web |author= al-Fatash, Ramadan |url= http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/gaddafi-s-sons-arrested-report-1.1122085 |title= Gaddafi's Sons Arrested |work = [[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]] |date=21 August 2011 |access-date= 24 August 2011}}</ref>

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]].<ref>{{cite news | author = Pfeiffer, Tom | date = 22 August 2011 | url = https://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFC6E7JA01I20110822 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120725200731/http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFC6E7JA01I20110822 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 25 July 2012 | agency = [[Reuters]]|work=Reuters Africa | title = Corrected – Bodies May Be Gaddafi Son, Libya Intel Chief – TV | access-date = 25 August 2011}}</ref> However, it was later found that both men had escaped the battle.

===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 [[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruisers]] near the Rixos Al Nasr hotel.<ref>{{cite news | work = [[CNN]] | date = 22 August 2011 | url = http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/22/live-blog-battle-for-libya-gadhafi-stronghold-under-assault/?hpt=hp_t1 | title = Live Blog: Gadhafi Son Reappears in Tripoli | access-date = 23 August 2011 | archive-date = 8 February 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160208035602/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/22/live-blog-battle-for-libya-gadhafi-stronghold-under-assault/?hpt=hp_t1 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Al Arabiya reported via ''[[Le Figaro]]'' that a rebel confirmed that Saif had been captured, but then escaped.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/spotlight/libya/2011/08/2011822235934828611.html | date = 23 August 2011 | work = [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] | title = Defiant Saif al-Islam Rallies Loyalists| access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref> The rebels later confirmed that Saif had been in their custody, but escaped in the chaos of the situation.<ref>{{cite news |author = Evans, Martin | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8718761/Libya-rebels-we-let-Gaddafi-son-Saif-al-Islam-escape.html |title=Libya Rebels: We Let Gaddafi Son Saif al-Islam Escape| work = [[The Daily Telegraph]] |date= 23 August 2011 |access-date= 24 August 2011 | location=London}}</ref> Saif claimed the people of Libya were behind him and his father, that NATO had jammed loyalist communications, including state TV and that "gangs of saboteurs" had been smuggled into Tripoli via civilians cars and boats. Saif was seen amongst Gaddafi supporters handing out weapons to them outside the Bab al-Azizia compound and being organised in "street brigades" to fight the rebels.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16054331 |title=Col Gaddafi Son Saif Free And In Tripoli |date=23 August 2011 |access-date=24 January 2012 |work=Sky News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026122231/http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16054331 |archive-date=26 October 2011 |df=dmy}}</ref>

It was reported that the port area and surroundings were now under rebel control, though the time and circumstances of capture was unclear.<ref name="bloomberg220811"/>

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 heavy clashes were taking place in Mansura, and that rebels had advanced within {{convert|500|m|abbr=off}} from Bab al-Azizia.<ref name="liveblog23811"/>

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. Later in the afternoon, rebels assaulted and took a gate of Bab al-Azizia. 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.<ref name=liveblog23811>Staff (23 August 2011). [http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-23-2011-1819 "''Libya Live Blog'': Tuesday, August 23, 2011 – 16:19"]. [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref> Rebels stormed Gaddafi's personal residence and hoisted their flag above it.<ref>Stanglin, Douglas (23 August 2011). [http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/08/reports-rebels-enter-gadhafi-compound-raise-flag/1 "Rebels Capture Gadhafi Compound"]. ''[[USA Today]]''. Retrieved 28 August 2011.</ref> Al Arabiya confirmed that the rebel flag was above the house.<ref>{{cite news| date = 23 August 2011 | url = http://en.trend.az/regions/met/arabicr/1922142.html | title = Rebels Claim They Entered Gaddafi Compound | work = [[Trend News Agency]] | access-date = 23 August 2011}}</ref> Reporters were shown stacks of official documents including Gaddafi's personal medical files as additional proof. Further reports showed Gaddafi's hat and golf-cart were retrieved from the compound.<ref>Staff (23 August 2011). [http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16055646 "Rebels Swipe Gaddafi's Hat and Golf Cart"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908075252/http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16055646 |date=8 September 2011 }}. [[Sky News]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref> No information on Gaddafi's or his family's whereabouts were reported from the captured compound.<ref>{{cite news| date = 23 August 2011 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14630702 | title = Libya Unrest: Rebels Overrun Gadhafi Tripoli Compound | work = [[BBC News]] | access-date = 24 August 2011}}</ref> Gaddafi spoke in a radio address afterwards, claiming that the loss of Bab al-Azizia was only a "tactical move".<ref>{{cite news |last=Aboudi| first=Sami|location=Tripoli|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7JN29K20110823 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725180816/http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7JN29K20110823 |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 July 2012 |title=Gaddafi Says Withdraws from Tripoli Compound |work=Reuters Africa|agency= [[Reuters]]|date = 24 August 2011 |access-date= 24 August 2011}}</ref> It was also confirmed that Qatari special forces participated in the assault on Gaddafi's compound.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/68302/david-roberts/behind-qatars-intervention-in-libya|work = Foreign Affairs|date = 28 September 2011| access-date = 27 January 2012|title =Behind Qatar's Intervention In Libya|first=David|last=Roberts}}</ref>

In the evening, a rebel spokesman claimed that rebel fighters were able to secure the Abu Salim district, which was known to have relatively strong loyalist sentiment.<ref>Staff (23 August 2011).[https://web.archive.org/web/20120725192733/http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7JN28K20110823 "Rebels Seize Pro-Gaddafi Tripoli District – Spokesman"]. [[Reuters]]. Retrieved 23 August 2011.</ref> However, later, it was found that the rebel claim was untrue and loyalist forces were still in control of the district. Meanwhile, 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.<ref>Staff (24 August 2011). [http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/23/libya.war/index.html "As Libyan Rebels Secure Tripoli, Search for Gadhafi Continues"]. [[CNN]]. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref>

NTC rebels breached the Bab al-Azizia compound and international news stations broadcast pictures of rebels gathered around the fist crushing A U.S. fighter plane statue, with one fighter having climbed onto it.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/24/world/africa/24libya.html Rebels Storm Qaddafi Compound] The New York Times, August 23, 2011. Accessed: 2011-08-23.</ref> Graffiti had been drawn on its base by rebel forces. At some point in time, the U.S. flag and initials U.S.A. had been removed from the representation of the plane. Rebels also vandalised other statues of Gaddafi. Following the assault on Gaddafi's compound [[France 24]] TV reported that the Tripoli Brigade had sixty men killed in Tripoli during the previous 48 hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20110908--wb-en-debate-part-1-libya-gaddafi-rebels-tripoli-transitional-council |title=DEBATE - The Tripoli brigade: is Libya in good hands? |publisher=France24.com |date=2011-09-08 |access-date=2015-04-15}}</ref>

===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 in the recreational area of the compound were still present.<ref>{{cite news | date = 24 August 2011 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14610722 | title = Live: Battle for Tripoli |work = [[BBC News]] | access-date = 24 August 2011}}</ref> The rebels, meeting fierce resistance, continued to use heavy weaponry to expose loyalists and destroy fortifications in the centre of the compound.<ref name="BBC 14646334"/> At one point, the rebels were pushed back from the centre of the complex to the outer wall.<ref>Staff (25 August 2011). [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14658902 "Rebels Appeal for Gaddafi Capture"]. [[BBC News]]. Retrieved 25 August 2011.</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news| author = Peralta, Eyder|title=Report: Journalists Are Freed from Libyan Hotel|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/08/24/139910015/report-journalists-are-freed-from-libyan-hotel| publisher = The Two-Way (blog of [[NPR]]) | access-date=27 August 2011|date=24 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| author = Memmot, Mark|title=In Libya: Last Battle of 'Bitter, Brutal Civil War'|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/08/24/139903316/in-libya-last-battle-of-bitter-brutal-civil-war| publisher = The Two-Way (blog of [[NPR]]) | access-date=27 August 2011|date=24 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | date = 24 August 2011 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14644953 | title = Libya Conflict: Trapped Among Gaddafi Loyalists |work = [[BBC News]] | access-date = 24 August 2011}}</ref> Fighting was also continuing in the Abu Salim district, which the rebels claimed to have captured the previous day,<ref>Walker, Portia (26 August 2011). [https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-08-24/Rebels-battle-Libyan-forces-near-Gadhafi-compound/50118160/1 "Tripoli in Chaos as Rebels Fight for Control"]. ''[[USA Today]]''. Retrieved 28 August 2011.</ref> and later it was reported that loyalists were still in control of the area, as well as the al-Hadhba district.<ref>Madi, Mohamed (24 August 2011). [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14654001 "Gaddafi Loyalists Face Last Stand in Tripoli"]. [[BBC News]]. Retrieved 28 August 2011.</ref>

Around 5 pm, 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 vans of the Red Cross.<ref>{{cite news | date = 24 August 2011 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-africa-14654958 | title = BBC Journalist Describes Release from Rixos Hotel | work = [[BBC News]] | access-date = 24 August 2011}}</ref> Italy also reported that four Italian reporters were kidnapped near Zawiya.<ref name="BBC 14646334"/>

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.<ref>Staff (24 August 2011). [http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110824/world/rebels-find-gaddafi-s-palaces-on-wings.381690 "Rebels Find Gaddafi's 'Palaces on Wings'"]. ''[[The Times (Malta)|The Times]]''. Retrieved 24 August 2011.</ref>

The NTC announced full amnesty to anyone close to Gaddafi who killed or captured him. A businessman also offered a $1.67 million reward.<ref name="BBC 14646334">{{cite news | title= Libya Unrest: Fighting in Tripoli as Loyalists Hold Out |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14646334| work = [[BBC News]] | date=24 August 2011 | access-date = 25 August 2011}}</ref>

Rebel fighters and armed residents continued to create and staff checkpoints. Lawlessness was avoided and celebration continued in Green Square.<ref name="BBC 14646334"/>

[[Al-Saadi 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.<ref>Staff (24 August 2011). [http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/24/libya.saadi.gadhafi/index.html "Gadhafi Son Offers To Broker Libya Cease-Fire"]. [[CNN]]. Retrieved 25 August 2011.</ref>

===25 August=== Rebels stated that they had nearly captured Gaddafi when they raided a private house and found evidence that he had spent at least a night there previously.<ref>Staff (25 August 2011). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-gaddafi-commandos-report-idUSTRE77O2ZH20110825 "Gaddafi Nearly Captured on Wednesday: Report"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126025611/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/25/us-libya-gaddafi-commandos-report-idUSTRE77O2ZH20110825 |date=26 November 2014 }}. [[Reuters]]. Retrieved 25 August 2011.</ref> They also besieged a compound where they believed him to be hiding, though they did not explain the reasons for the belief.<ref>Lowe, Christian; Elgood, Giles (25 August 2011). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-compound-gaddafi-idUSTRE77O42920110825 "Libyan Rebels Say Muammar Gaddafi Surrounded"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929045149/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/25/us-libya-compound-gaddafi-idUSTRE77O42920110825 |date=29 September 2015 }}. [[Reuters]]. Retrieved 25 August 2011.</ref> Opposition forces were also still trying to fight their way into the Abu Salim and Al Hadba al Khadra areas, where loyalists were still in control.<ref name="CNN 8/25">Staff (25 August 2011). [http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/25/libya.war/index.html "Purported Gadhafi Message: Don't 'Surrender' Tripoli"]. [[CNN]]. Retrieved 25 August 2011. "'We have 80% of Tripoli liberated,' said Hisham Abu Hajer, the coordinator of the rebels' brigades in Tripoli."</ref><ref>Graff, Peter; Laessing, Ulf (25 August 2011). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-idUSTRE77A2Y920110825 "Hunted in Tripoli, Gaddafi Hurls Defiance"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405184224/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/25/us-libya-idUSTRE77A2Y920110825 |date=5 April 2015 }}. [[Reuters]]. Retrieved 25 August 2011.</ref>

It was also reported that Gaddafi loyalists destroyed a [[Libyan Airlines]] passenger plane that was parked at Tripoli International Airport.<ref name="CNN 8/25-report-rebels-say-they-have-gadhafi-surrounded">{{cite news|title=Rebels Say Gadhafi Holed Up; Broadcast Tells Libyans To Stay in Tripoli, Fight|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/25/report-rebels-say-they-have-gadhafi-surrounded/|access-date=27 August 2011|date=25 August 2011|work=CNN|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174932/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/25/report-rebels-say-they-have-gadhafi-surrounded/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, sporadic-yet-heavy artillery fire occurred at the airport when rebels tried to take control of a highway leading from the airport to Tripoli.<ref name="CNN 8/25-report-rebels-say-they-have-gadhafi-surrounded"/> CNN reported a "fierce firefight in one corner of Muammar Gaddafi's compound" at about 2:00 local time.<ref name="CNN 8/25-report-rebels-say-they-have-gadhafi-surrounded"/>

Reuters reported that rebels stormed the Abu Salim district after a NATO airstrike.<ref>Valdmanis, Richard (25 August 2011). [https://web.archive.org/web/20111001014344/http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFLDE77O0SH20110825 "Libya Rebels Storm Tripoli's Abu Salim District"]. [[Reuters]]. Retrieved 25 August 2011.</ref>

At [[Khilit al-Ferjan]] and [[Qasr bin Ghashir]], two loyalist camps in the Tripoli area, loyalists killed "numerous detainees", according to eyewitnesses. Grenades and gunfire were used on a large group of prisoners after about 160 escaped from a metal hangar.<ref>{{cite news| title=Amnesty: Detainee Deaths at Gadhafi Military Camps|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/26/libya.loyalist.killings/index.html| work = [[CNN]] | access-date=30 August 2011|date= 26 August 2011}}</ref>

At this time, Muammar Gaddafi held a meeting with his son Khamis and daughter Ayesha at a military compound in the city, following which they all left Tripoli in two heavily guarded convoys towards Sabha. Ayesha later continued to the Algerian border along with her mother and two brothers. Khamis was reported, by the rebels, to have been killed in a NATO air-strike on 29 August, while traveling to Bani Walid, but there was no independent confirmation of this and NATO stated they had no information on his fate.<ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/politics/gaddafi-last-sighting-reported-amidst-gunfire-in-tripoli-74040.html Gaddafi last sighting reported amidst gunfire in Tripoli]</ref>

===27 August=== During the night, rebel forces were able to secure [[Qasr bin Ghashir]], a village near Tripoli International Airport. They also claimed that the loyalist-held area in greater Tripoli had been reduced to just one compound.<ref>Staff (27 August 2011). [https://archive.today/20120720214813/http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16057781 "Greater Tripoli Is 'Almost Under Control'"]. [[Sky News]]. Retrieved 27 August 2011.</ref>

===28 August=== In the final actions of the battle, [[National Liberation Army (Libya)|NLA]] forces launched an attack on the last remaining loyalist base in [[Salaheddin, Libya|Salaheddin]], a suburb {{convert|5|km|abbr=off}} south of Tripoli and took it after seven hours of fighting.<ref>Staff (28 August 2011). [http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=65109&Cat=1 "Rebels Claim Capture of Last Army Base in Tripoli"]. ''[[The News International]]''. Retrieved 28 August 2011.</ref>

==Operation Mermaid Dawn plans and aims== In the weeks following the battle, the rebels' plans to take Tripoli were revealed. The [[National Transitional Council]] had been in contact with rebel cells inside Tripoli, including employees of the Gaddafi government sympathetic to the opposition's cause. Officers within Gaddafi's military and intelligence services gathered data on memory cards and sent them back to the NTC in Benghazi. The data contained invaluable information on the state of the regime, as well as the number of people working in various facilities and the military capabilities of loyalist forces based in Tripoli. The plan was reportedly two months in the making.

When rebel forces advanced into Tripoli on the night of 21 August, General al-Barani Ashkal, commander of loyalist forces at Gaddafi's compound, as well as other senior military officers, at least 72, who were secretly sympathetic to the rebels, but had been asked to remain undercover by the NTC, ordered soldiers under their command to disperse, abandoned their posts and allowed the rebels to enter the city almost entirely unopposed, in line with agreements made secretly between them and the NTC.<ref>Kirkpatrick, David (7 September 2011) [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/08/world/africa/08tripoli.html?_r=1&ref=world In a New Libya, Ex-Loyalists Race to Shed Ties to Qaddafi] ''The New York Times'', page 2, Retrieved 8 September 2011</ref>

The plan was discussed between the NTC and the French government, and rebels drew up a list of over 120 targets for [[NATO]] to strike, although the actual number of targets struck was much lower. Memory cards containing information on loyalist command and control centres and other regime military and intelligence facilities were supplied to NATO by rebel cells in Tripoli. The NTC assigned 2,000 armed men to go into Tripoli and 6,000 unarmed to go out onto the streets in the uprising that was to occur the day before the assault on the city from the western outskirts. Communications equipment was supplied to rebel cells within Tripoli by British and Qatari authorities to allow them to communicate with the NTC as well as rebel forces in other areas.

The trigger for the uprising, the so-called "Zero Hour", was the speech by NTC chairman [[Mustafa Abdul Jalil]] in which he said the noose was tightening around Gaddafi. Attacks on command and control centres by rebel cells in the city followed, and citizens sympathetic to the rebels barricaded streets and sealed off their neighbourhoods from loyalist forces.

Arms that had been smuggled into the city were distributed by anti-Gaddafi activists in refuse collection trucks the morning before the uprising.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thorne |first1=John |title=A circle of friends pulled apart by Libya's revolt against Gaddafi |url=http://feb17.info/news/a-circle-of-friends-pulled-apart-by-libyas-revolt-against-gaddafi/ |website=feb17.info |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207065429/http://feb17.info/news/a-circle-of-friends-pulled-apart-by-libyas-revolt-against-gaddafi/ |archive-date=2012-02-07}}</ref>

Rebel forces advanced eastwards from [[Zawiya, Libya|Zawiya]] and entered Tripoli through the Janzur suburb, defeating the Khamis Brigade at its HQ in Al Maya before entering Tripoli proper. Rebels from [[Misrata]] landed by sea in the north to support the rebellion already taking place in the city. Rebels hacked into Gaddafi loyalists' communications, hearing them panicking due to the swift rebel advance into the city.<ref name=secretplan/>

==NATO airstrikes== According to NATO's daily "Operational Media Updates", the NATO airstrikes in the Tripoli vicinity during the offensive hit:

{| class="wikitable" |- ! colspan="7"|20–27 August NATO airstrikes |- !Date !Missiles and missile launchers ![[Tank]]s !Vehicles !Radars !Buildings ![[Anti-aircraft warfare|Anti-aircraft guns]] |- | 20 August <ref>{{cite 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 | access-date = 26 August 2011}}</ref> | 9 [[surface-to-air missile]] launchers | align=center| 1 | 2 [[Technical (vehicle)|technicals]] | align=center| 2 | 3 [[command and control]] facilities and 1 military facility | align=center| 0 |- | 21 August <ref>{{cite 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 |access-date = 24 August 2011}}</ref> | 1 surface-to-surface missile and 2 [[multiple rocket launcher]]s | align=center| 0 | 7 surface-to-air missile transloaders, 2 technicals, and 2 [[armoured fighting vehicle]]s | align=center| 1 | 3 military facilities, 1 military storage facility, and 3 command and control facilities | align=center| 0 |- | 22 August <ref>{{cite press release|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update For 21 AUGUST|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_08/20110823_110823-oup-update.pdf|access-date=25 August 2011|date=25 August 2011}}</ref> | 0 Missiles | align=center| 0 | 0 Vehicles | align=center| 0 | 0 Buildings | align=center| 0 |- | 23 August <ref>{{cite press release|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 23 August 2011|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_08/20110824_110824-oup-update.pdf|access-date=25 August 2011|date=25 August 2011}}</ref> | 3 surface-to-air missile systems | align=center| 0 | 2 armoured fighting vehicles and 2 military heavy equipment trucks | align=center| 1 | 0 Buildings | align=center| 0 |- | 24 August <ref>{{cite press release|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 24 August 2011|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_08/20110825_110825-oup-update.pdf|access-date=25 August 2011|date=25 August 2011}}</ref> | 1 Surface-to-air missile system and 1 multiple rocket launcher | align=center| 0 | 1 Military heavy equipment truck | align=center| 1 | 2 Military storage facilities | align=center| 2 |- | 25 August <ref>{{cite press release|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 24 August 2011|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_08/20110826_110826-oup-update.pdf|access-date=27 August 2011|date=26 August 2011}}</ref> | 1 surface-to-air missile transloader and 1 surface-to-air missile launcher | align=center| 0 | 0 vehicles | align=center| 0 | 1 Command and control node | align=center| 0 |- | 26 August <ref>{{cite press release|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 24 August 2011|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_08/20110827_110827-oup-update.pdf|access-date=27 August 2011|date=27 August 2011}}</ref> | 1 Surface-to-surface missile launcher | align=center| 0 | 0 vehicles | align=center| 0 | 2 Military facilities and 1 military storage facility | align=center| 0 |- | 27 August <ref>{{cite press release|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 24 August 2011|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_08/20110828_110828-oup-update.pdf|access-date=28 August 2011|date=27 August 2011}}</ref> | 1 Surface-to-surface missile launcher | align=center| 0 | 0 vehicles | align=center| 0 | 0 buildings | align=center| 0 |- !Total !21 !1 !18 !5 !17 !2 |}

==See also== {{portal|Libya}} * [[Battle of Baghdad (2003)]] * [[Battle of Damascus (2012)]] * [[Battle of Tripoli (2018)]] * [[Fall of Damascus (2024)]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tripoli 2011 Battle of}} [[Category:Battles of the Libyan civil war (2011)|Tripoli 2011]] [[Category:Battles involving Qatar|Tripoli 2011]] [[Category:Tripoli in the Libyan civil war (2011)]] [[Category:Military operations involving NATO]] [[Category:August 2011 in Libya]] [[Category:Battles in 2011]]