BATTLE // March 19, 2011
Second Battle of Benghazi
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The Second Battle of Benghazi marked the opening of the United Nations-mandated international military intervention in the Libyan Civil War. When Gaddafi loyalist army units and militiamen advanced on Benghazi on 19–20 March 2011, French Air Force fighter jets intervened directly, attacking and destroying several pro-Gaddafi formations and compelling them to retreat. The engagement established that the international coalition would use air power to enforce the UN mandate, shifting the military balance away from Gaddafi's conventional forces and preserving the anti-Gaddafi stronghold in Benghazi. The battle thus represented the transition of the conflict from a domestic civil war to one actively shaped by external military intervention.
Tactics
French Air Force fighter jets attacked and destroyed several pro-Gaddafi units operating in the coastal city, forcing loyalist forces to retreat. Beyond this air-to-ground action, the overview does not describe the dispositions or maneuvers of the ground forces engaged.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- Anti-Gaddafi forces8,000medium
Casualties
- Conseil national de transition120medium
Commanders (3)
Anti-Gaddafi forces
Abdul Fatah Younismajor general
Gaddafi Loyalists
- Khamis Gaddafi
colonel
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6 sibling battles · 2 factions