The 2011 Libyan uprising is an ongoing armed conflict in the North African state of Libya against Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year rule, with protesters calling for new leadership and democratic elections. The uprising began as a series of protests and confrontations beginning 15 February 2011. Within a week, the uprising had spread and Gaddafi was struggling to retain control across the the country. Gaddafi responded with military force and other such measures as censorship and blocking of communications. With parts of the Libyan military in the east defecting, Gaddafi has recruited foreign volunteers to supplement his forces. Although Gaddafi has offered talks with opposition leaders through a chief envoy, the rebels have clarified that they are unwilling to negotiate with him, they simply demand that he resign. This has been demonstrated by openly admitting attacks against civilians in support of the government.
By the end of February the uprising escalated into armed conflict with rebels forming a government called the National Transitional Council based in Benghazi. International human rights organizations have documented severe human rights abuses. The International Criminal Court warned Gaddafi that he and members of his government may have committed crimes against humanity. Gaddafi vows to stay in power at all costs. In early March, Gaddafi's forces rallied, push eastwards and re-took several coastal cities including Brega, Ra's Lanuf and Bin Jawad. Gaddafi announced a cease-fire on 18 March amid international pressure. He then effected a U-turn and attacked Misurata and on 19 March, Benghazi. The United Nations then declared and began to enforce no-fly zones against Gaddafi.
Much of the world has strongly condemned Gaddafi's use of violence against civilians. A number of countries imposed sanctions on Gaddafi, many including travel bans and freezing of the family's multibillion assets. The United Nations Security Council passed an initial resolution freezing the assets of Gaddafi and ten members of his inner circle and restricting their travel. The resolution also referred the regime in Tripoli to the International Criminal Court for investigation. On 10 March, France became the first country to recognize the National Transitional Council as the official government of Libya. On 17 March, a further resolution was announced which authorized member states to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya and "to take all necessary measures... to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, including Benghazi, while excluding an occupation force". In response to this the Gaddaffi regime anounced a ceasefire, which they failed to uphold. On 19 March, the United Nations Coalition was officially announced to enforce the resolution: Operation Ellamy by the UK; Opération Harmattan by France; Operation Mobile by Canada and Operation Odyssey Dawn by the USA. A dozen other countries joined the coalition. On the same day, a series of strikes disabled Gaddafi's air defenses and coalitions jets started enforcing the resolution.