Libya: Commitments Made on Gaddafi Overthrow Anniversary to Avoid One-man Rule

Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"
Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"
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Libya: Commitments Made on Gaddafi Overthrow Anniversary to Avoid One-man Rule

Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"
Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"

During the celebrations for the anniversary of Muammar Gaddafi’s overthrow, Libyan factions criticized the era of “one-man rule” and vowed not to return to it “now that Libya is free.”

On the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day,” these groups committed to working toward the country’s stability without looking back.

However, some observers argue that, despite Gaddafi’s removal, Libya continues to face “individual control by politicians in their regions.”

At a celebration in Misrata organized by the “National Support Forces,” Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, highlighted the sacrifices of the martyrs and stressed the importance of following their path toward development and restoring citizens’ rights.

He announced that his government is taking strong steps to eliminate obstacles to stability, aiming for improvements in citizens' daily lives.

Dbeibah spoke firmly, indirectly addressing the House of Representatives, stating he would not allow those who lost their legitimacy ten years ago to impose their conditions on the Libyan people.

He insisted that the next phase requires determination to confront anyone trying to disrupt the journey toward freedom and stability, promising to take decisive action to move toward elections.

Dbeibah reaffirmed his “full commitment to preventing the return of military or individual rule,” stressing the importance of enabling all Libyans to express their rights in elections and national decisions.

At a celebration attended by notable figures from various regions, he declared that the sacrifices made for freedom would not be in vain and emphasized the need for decisive action against those undermining stability and freedom.

Both Dbeibah’s government and its eastern rival, led by Osama Hamad, declared Wednesday a public holiday to mark the thirteenth anniversary of Libya's liberation from Gaddafi's regime on Oct. 23, 2011.

The House of Representatives highlighted the achievements of the Libyan people in 2011, celebrating their liberation from individual rule and the move toward a fully democratic state.

They stated that the ideal state allows citizens to choose their leaders through free and fair elections.

They also noted that the Feb.17 revolution sparked the declaration of full liberation on Oct. 23 in a grand celebration in Benghazi.

Thirteen years after this declaration, Libya is at a critical juncture that requires unity, reconciliation, and a focus on national cohesion to fulfill the revolution’s goals.



Israel Carries Out Intense Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon, 1 Dead

Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon on June 27, 2025. (Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP)
Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon on June 27, 2025. (Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP)
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Israel Carries Out Intense Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon, 1 Dead

Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon on June 27, 2025. (Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP)
Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon on June 27, 2025. (Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP)

Israel’s air force carried out intense airstrikes on mountains overlooking a southern Lebanon city on Friday in an attack that the Israeli military said targeted Hezbollah underground assets.

The airstrikes came in two waves on the mountains overlooking Nabatiyeh and bunker buster bombs were used, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported. There was no immediate information about casualties.

Since the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war ended with a US-brokered ceasefire in November, Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes on southern Lebanon. Friday’s strikes were more intense than usual.

The Israeli military said in a statement that its fighter jets struck a site used by Hezbollah to manage its fire and defense array in the area and is part of a significant underground project that was completely taken out of use.

The Israeli army said it identified rehabilitation attempts by Hezbollah beforehand and struck infrastructure sites in the area.

There was no comment from Hezbollah.

An Israeli drone also targeted on Friday an apartment in a two-story building in Nabatiyeh.

Lebanon's health ministry said a woman was killed and 11 other people were wounded in the strike.

"The Israeli enemy strike on an apartment in Nabatiyeh led to a preliminary toll of one woman killed and 11 people wounded," the ministry said in a statement carried by the official National News Agency.