On February 15, 2011, in reaction to widespread unrest across
the region demonstrators in Libya staged a “Day of Rage”
protesting Qaddafi’s rule, calling for an end to his 41-year
reign — the longest in the Arab world. Initial protests in
Tripoli quickly spread across the country, prompting a violent
response by Qaddafi’s government as security forces opened fire
on protesters killing at least 500 civilians. The Libyan despot
used fighter jets, tanks, snipers and heavy artillery to target
civilians in major urban areas under the control of the
opposition. The international community, led by the United
Nations Security Council, responded with diplomatic efforts,
condemnation, sanctions and a threat of accountability through
an International Criminal Court investigation. As Qaddafi’s
forces approached the opposition stronghold of Benghazi
threatening to fight door to door showing no mercy, the UN
Security Council took decisive action to protect civilians
through a no-fly zone calling upon member states to take