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Misrata Brigades

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki



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Misrata Revolutionary Brigades
كتائب الثوار مصراتة
ActiveFebruary 2011-Present
Group(s)200+ battalions[1][2]
  • Volcano of Rage Brigade
  • Path to Victory brigade
  • Badr Brigade
  • Ard Al-Rijal Brigade
  • Bukhar Brigade
AlliesGovernment of National Unity

Turkey Turkey[3]

Tripoli Brigade (2011)[4]
Opponent(s)ISIL

Zintan Brigades[5]

Libyan National Army[6][7]
Battles and war(s)Libyan civil war (2011)

Factional violence in Libya (2011–2014)
Libyan civil war (2014–2020)

The Misrata Brigades, also known as the Misrata Military Council, are armed groups that are associated with the city of Misrata and its environs in Libya. Notably, they emerged as key participants in the Libyan Revolution, contributing significantly to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi's regime.[8][9] Besides their past engagements, the Misrata Brigades gained attention on the global stage for their efforts in confronting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the region. Furthermore, during the second Libyan Civil War, their influence and military prowess played a pivotal role in the conflict's dynamics and outcomes.[10]

Foundation of the brigades[edit]

The Misrata Brigades, known alternatively as the Misrata Military Council, represent a formidable coalition of diverse armed groups that trace their origins to the city of Misrata. Misrata became a pivotal focal point during the Libyan Civil War, a protracted conflict that raged from February to October 2011.[11]

This coalition of fighters from Misrata swiftly gained prominence for their unyielding determination and resilience in the face of formidable challenges posed by the regime of Muammar Gaddafi. As one of the largest cities in Libya, Misrata emerged as a critical bastion of resistance spearheaded by the Misrata Brigades, whose tenacious efforts proved instrumental in the broader rebellion against the regime.[12][13]

Their pivotal role in the conflict materialized during the prolonged and arduous siege of Misrata, where the Misrata Brigades valiantly defended their city against pro-Gaddafi troops. The unwavering commitment and bravery exhibited by the fighters of the Misrata Brigades during this grueling standoff not only solidified their position as fierce combatants but also earned them a well-deserved reputation as resolute defenders of their homeland.[14][15]

Anti-Gaddafi forces[edit]

During the First Libyan Civil War, the Misrata Brigades, composed of various local armed groups, were actively involved in the opposition's efforts against Muammar Gaddafi's regime. Their participation in the conflict was marked by a resilient defense of the city of Misrata,[16] which became a key battleground in the struggle. Despite enduring heavy artillery bombardments and prolonged sieges, the Misrata Brigades displayed determination and strategic prowess, effectively holding off Gaddafi's forces and preventing the complete takeover of the city.[14]

The Misrata Brigades' role in the conflict encompassed engagements across several fronts, often in coordination with other rebel groups. Their actions were characterized by a mix of successful tactical maneuvers and coordinated offensives, contributing to the disruption of Gaddafi's military capabilities and bolstering the morale of the opposition forces.[17] Allegations of war crimes from pro-Gaddafi brigades against the Misrata Brigades aswell as other rebel groups surfaced.

As the civil war escalated, the Misrata Brigades were engaged in significant confrontations, including key battles in Tripoli[18] and other strategic cities.[19] Their role in the eventual liberation of Tripoli marked a critical turning point in the conflict, ultimately leading to the downfall of Gaddafi's regime. The Misrata Brigades' actions during the war have been a subject of ongoing scrutiny, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict and its impact on Libya's sociopolitical landscape.

Battle of Misrata[edit]

The Battle of Misrata, a pivotal event during the First Libyan Civil War, unfolded as a grueling and protracted conflict between the Misrata Brigades and Muammar Gaddafi's loyalist forces. Lasting from February to May 2011, the battle showcased the unwavering resilience and courage of the Misrata Brigades and the local populace in their relentless defense of the city against a relentless onslaught of artillery shelling, sniper fire, and ground assaults.[8][11][16]

Throughout the prolonged confrontation, the Misrata Brigades displayed real determination, deploying a variety of defensive strategies, including tactics suited for urban warfare, as they fiercely resisted Gaddafi's troops. The ferocity of the conflict exacted a devastating toll on both factions, with numerous reports highlighting the atrocities committed by Gaddafi's loyalists, which exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. These reports shed light on the indiscriminate targeting of innocent civilians, underscoring the grave human rights violations perpetuated by Gaddafi's forces within the city.[20][21][22]

The global community strongly denounced the reprehensible war crimes perpetrated by Gaddafi's forces, leading to urgent calls for immediate external intervention and humanitarian assistance to mitigate the dire plight faced by the affected populace.[22] Undeterred by the tactics employed by Gaddafi's regime, the Misrata Brigades, backed by resolute local backing and international solidarity, tenaciously thwarted the offensives launched by Gaddafi's forces. Their valiant efforts ultimately secured a resounding triumph for the Misrata Brigades, marking a pivotal turning point in the city's resilience and their resolute stand against tyranny.

In the wake of their hard-earned victory, the battle of Misrata stood as a testament to their exceptional courage and fortitude in the face of relentless adversity. The outcome not only symbolized a significant milestone in the broader context of the First Libyan Civil War but also served as a rallying cry for the resilience and determination of the Libyan people in their unyielding pursuit of freedom and justice.[15]

Misrata-Tawargha Rivalry[edit]

The enduring animosity between Misrata and Tawargha emerged as a tragic consequence of the Libyan Civil War, underpinned by deep-seated societal divisions and long-standing grievances. Tawargha, perceived as loyalists to the Gaddafi regime, faced severe reprisals from Misrata, which had itself endured significant suffering during the conflict. Disturbing reports revealed how Tawargha militias resorted to abducting civilians, subjecting them to cruel and inhumane torture, exacerbating the cycle of animosity and vengeance between the two communities.[23][24][25]

In the aftermath of Misrata's liberation from Gaddafi's control, unsettling narratives emerged of relentless and brutal reprisals against Tawergha. Allegations pointed to widespread devastation, mass displacement, and egregious violations of human rights. While Misrata residents had accused Tawargha militias of targeting civilian infrastructure, as well as human rights abuses against the civilian population the cycle of vengeance between the communities escalated, resulting in extensive destruction and displacement.[26]

Amidst a drive for retribution, specific elements within the resolute Misrata community initiated a relentless campaign, resulting in the severe devastation of Tawargha. The town remained abandoned, its populace dispersed across various regions, unable to return for an extended period following the conclusion of the Libyan civil war. With over 40,000 individuals from Tawargha displaced, the narrative of bitter reprisal encompassed allegations of the town's purported involvement in suppressing the Misrata uprising. The haunting echoes of destruction portrayed a poignant testimony to the once-thriving community now reduced to desolation, indicative of the enduring tragedy inflicted by the conflict.[25][27]

Reports emerged, alleging that Misrata forces had been involved in violations of international humanitarian law, with accusations of indiscriminate shelling, arbitrary detentions, and reprisal killings.

The Second Libyan civil war[edit]

Amidst the Second Libyan Civil War, the Misrata Brigades played a crucial role, confronting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Libyan National Army (led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar), as well as various other armed groups.[28]

Battle against ISIL

The Misrata Brigades played a significant role in the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Libya.[10][29]In 2016, the Misrata Brigades, along with other Libyan armed groups, launched a military operation to liberate the city of Sirte from ISIL's control. The battle lasted several months and involved intense fighting, with the Misrata Brigades being at the forefront of the offensive.[30] The operation was supported by the United States and its coalition partners, who conducted airstrikes against ISIL positions.[31] Eventually, ISIL was driven out of Sirte, marking a major victory for the Misrata Brigades and the Libyan forces fighting against the terrorist group.[10][32]

War against Khalifa Hafter

The Misrata brigades played a significant role in the defeat of Khalifa Haftar's forces,[33][34] the Libyan National Army (LNA). Misrata, a city in northwest Libya, has a strong military presence with diverse and numerous armed groups. These brigades have contributed a significant number of fighters to the conflict in Libya.[35] The Misrata brigades possess various types of weapons, including tanks, artillery, anti-aircraft guns, and small arms, many of which were seized from forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi during the 2011 revolution.[36] The Misrata brigades, with their capabilities and experience, were crucial in pushing back Haftar's forces and defending their city during the conflict.[37][38][39]

International Recognition and Concerns[edit]

The activities of a handful of brigades that are assosciated with Misrata have garnered international attention, with concerns raised about their involvement in human rights abuses, as well as their impact on the stability and security of Libya. The MMC (Misrata military council) has not exercised authority over these brigades, and continues to stand against the ones who do engage in criminal activity.[40][41] Efforts by the international community to address these concerns have often been complicated by the fragmented nature of Libyan politics and the multitude of armed groups operating within the country.[40]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ "Misratan Union of Revolutionaries (Misrata Brigades)". Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  2. ↑ "City's huge arsenal a test for new Libyan rulers". Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  3. ↑ "Turkish Intervention in Libya". FOI. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  4. ↑ "Storming Tripoli". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  5. ↑ "Misratan Union of Revolutionaries (Misrata Brigades)". Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  6. ↑ "Khalifa Haftar, Libya's strongest warlord, makes a push for Tripoli". Economist. 5 April 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  7. ↑ Traina, Malik (27 April 2020). "Turkey's military helps turn the tide in Libyan civil war". Aljazeera. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Hardened Misrata fighters took out fury on Gadhafi – World news – Mideast/N. Africa". NBC News. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
  9. ↑ "Sirte and Misrata rebuild in wake of Libya conflict". France 24. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Libyan forces prepare for last push against Islamic State in Sirte". Reuters. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Rice, Xan (23 April 2010). "Libya: 'If people in Misrata put down their guns, Gaddafi will kill all of us'". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 26 April 2011. Retrieved 29 April 2011. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  12. ↑ "Libyan rebels claim Misrata". CBC News. 15 May 2011. Retrieved 15 May 2011.
  13. ↑ "Libya: rebels celebrate seizing Misurata airport". The Daily Telegraph. London. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Greenberg, Joel (13 March 2011). "Libyan rebels celebrate as Gaddafi's forces retreat in Misurata". The Washington Post. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "10 History's Warriors: The Emergence of Revolutionary Battalions in Misrata". Oxford Academic. February 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 MCDONNEL, PATRICK J. (2011-09-23). "Misurata, proud of its role in Libya revolt, looks to the future". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  17. ↑ "Gaddafi's son leads regime fightback". ABC News. 2011-08-23. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  18. ↑ "Special report: The secret plan to take Tripoli". Reuters. 2011-09-06. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  19. ↑ Stephen, Chris (2011-09-15). "Gaddafi's birthplace 'captured by rebels' in battle for last Libya coast stronghold". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  20. ↑ "Libya: Indiscriminate Attacks Kill Civilians | Human Rights Watch". 2011-04-17. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  21. ↑ "Witness to War Crimes: Evidence from Misrata Libya" (PDF). Physicians for Human Rights.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Stephen, Chris; Misrata (2011-06-18). "Muammar Gaddafi war crimes files revealed". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  23. ↑ غانمي, منية (3 February 2018). "تاورغاء ومصراتة.. قصة عداوة تسبب بها القذافي". Al-Arabiya. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  24. ↑ غانمي, منية (3 March 2018). "تاورغاءجرائم تورغاء في حق سكان مدنية مصراتة". Kbhar Biladi. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Kafala, Tarik (12 December 2011). "'Cleansed' Libyan town spills its terrible secrets". BBC. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  26. ↑ Kafala, Ghady (22 April 2021). "Tawergha: Ten Years of Displacement". FES. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  27. ↑ "Libya: Displaced Population Can't Go Home". Human Rights Watch. 24 January 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  28. ↑ Traina, Malik (27 April 2020). "Turkey's military helps turn the tide in Libyan civil war". Aljazeera. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  29. ↑ "Libyan commander Haftar's forces say they have taken Sirte". Reuters. 2020-01-06. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  30. ↑ Ash, Nigel (2016-05-29). "Misratans say they have taken Sirte power station". LibyaHerald. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  31. ↑ Yan, Holly (2016-08-01). "US launches airstrikes on ISIS targets in Libya | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  32. ↑ Ash, Nigel (2016-05-16). "Misratans report they have recaptured Abu Grain from IS". LibyaHerald. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  33. ↑ "Khalifa Haftar, Libya's strongest warlord, makes a push for Tripoli". Economist. 5 April 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  34. ↑ "Misurata-based brigades parade their military might in Tripoli to support GNC". Libyan Express. 22 October 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  35. ↑ "Haftar, Tribal Power, and the Battle for Libya". War on the Rocks. 2020-05-15. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  36. ↑ Cousins, Michel (2017-05-18). "Massacre reported as Misratans and BDB take Brak Al-Shatti airbase". LibyaHerald. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  37. ↑ "LNA UAV shot down in Misrata". Itamil Radar. 28 January 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  38. ↑ AlWarfalli, Ayman (8 April 2019). "Battle rages for Libya's capital, airport bombed". Reuters. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  39. ↑ Mahmoud, Khaled (7 April 2019). "Misrata Militias Mobilize to Save Libya's Sarraj". ASharq AlAwsat. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "In Libya, will Misrata be the kingmaker?". Washington Post. 2021-12-07. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  41. ↑ "Misrata Military Council Response to Human Rights Watch | Human Rights Watch". 2012-05-03. Retrieved 2023-11-05.



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