Battle of Gharyan

Battle of Gharyan
Part of 2011 Libyan civil war
Date 13 August 2011 – present Location Az Zawiyah, Libya Result Ongoing Rebel forces attack Gharyan
Belligerents
Anti-Gaddafi forces National Liberation Army UNSC Resolution 1973 forces NATO air forces	Gaddafi loyalists Libyan Army Paramilitary forces Foreign mercenaries
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Unknown
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Gharyan is a battle in the 2011 Libyan civil war between rebel anti-Gaddafi forces and forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi for control of the Tripolitanian city of Gharyan located at the Eastern edge of the Nafusa Mountains.

Background

See also: 2011 Nafusa Mountains Campaign and Second Battle of Az Zawiyah

Following large scale protests across the country, what would soon become part of the organized opposition in Libya gained control over most of the Nafusa mountains. Gharyan was soon liberated from Gaddafi rule however as part of the offensive to retake control of Libya from the rebels, Gaddafi quickly dispatched units to regain control. During the night between the 1 and 2 March, loyalist forces came into the town, under the cover of darkness. On the morning of 2 March, the rebels realised that the town was overrun by government troops. Soldiers had a list of opposition members and started to round up all of the rebels in Gharyan. Gharyan had been retaken by the government,.

Following the defeat of Gaddafi forces in Yefren and Kikla, rebel forces began to make preparations for the liberation of Gharyan. On July 6th Rebels captured Al-Qawalish and advanced on Asabah. However a Gaddafi counter attack was able to hold them back and temporarily recaptured Al-Qawalish.

The Battle

On August 13th Rebel forces attacked Gharyan and claimed to have recaptured the city.