2011 Sabha clashes

Part of the Libyan Civil War

Gaddafi-era billboard in Sabha

Date

8–13 June 2011
(5 days)

Location

Sabha, Libya

Result

Pro-Gaddafi victory

Pro-Gaddafi forces retain control of the town

Belligerents

Anti-Gaddafi forces

Fighters from the Awlad Suleiman tribe

Gaddafi Loyalists

Commanders and leaders

Unknown

Casualties and losses

At least 1 killed

Unknown

Pro-Gaddafi victory

Anti-Gaddafi forces

Gaddafi Loyalists

The 2011 Sabha clashes were a series of clashes between forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and rebel anti-Gaddafi forces for control of the desert oasis city of Sabha and a part of the Libyan Civil War which took place during June 2011.

Sabha is a city of around 210,000 people located by an oasis in the Libyan Desert and is home to an important military base. Much of its population are migrants from Chad, Niger, and Sudan. These migrants had been brought to Libya by Gaddafi in the 1980s and given employment and stipends by the regime to ensure their support. In addition, the city is home to a large number of members of the Qadhadhfa tribe, to which Gaddafi belongs. As a result, the city was regarded as a stronghold of pro-Gaddafi sentiment as the anti-regime protests that began across Libya in February 2011 turned into civil war. As the conflict progressed, however, many of the migrants went north to fight against the rebels, draining Gaddafi's major base of support in the city. Those who remained behind were mostly armed young locals and members of the Awlad Suleiman tribe. The Awlad Suleiman bear strong resentment against the regime. Shortly after Gaddafi seized power, members of the tribe were accused of plotting to overthrow him. Many tribesmen were executed and imprisoned as a result.

...
Wikipedia