The government dispatched elite troops and militia in an attempt to recapture it, but they were repelled. By 20 February, protests had spread to the capital Tripoli, leading to a television address by Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, who warned the protestors that their country could descend into civil war
Boma linatumiza asilikali apamwamba komanso asilikali kuti akagwirenso asilikaliwo, koma anawakaniza. Pofika pa 20 February, zionetsero zidafalikira ku likulu la Tripoli, zomwe zidapangitsa kuti Saif al-Islam Gaddafi alankhule pawailesi yakanema, yemwe adachenjeza ochita ziwonetserozo kuti dziko lawo litha kulowa m'nkhondo yapachiweniweni