The Rule of Libya's Colonel Gaddafi

Under Threat
Gaddafi's iron reign was loosened in February 2011, when demonstrations calling for the end of his regime broke out in several places in Libya. The protesters tore down symbols of his rule, like the many portraits hanging on Libyan streets, above, and burned government buildings. Gaddafi struck back viciously, using militiamen, helicopters and warplanes to suppress the demonstrators.

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