Violence in Libya at a glance

(MENAFN- Arab News) 2011Oct. 23: The National Transitional Council declares Libya's 'total liberation' three days after Qaddafi is killed.Thousands of people have died in fighting between forces loyal to Qaddafi and NATO-backed rebels.2012May 8: Security forces repel armed demonstrators who attack government headquarters in Tripoli.July 7: Libyans vote for the first time to elect a national assembly the General National Congress (GNC).Sept. 11: Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other US citizens are killed in an assault on the US Consulate.2013July: Libyan oil exports plunge after protesting guards force the closure of shipping terminals. Authorities regain full control only a year later.2014March 2: Protesters storm the GNC after it decides to unilaterally extend its mandate attacking lawmakers.May 16: Forces loyal to rogue general Khalifa Haftar attack militants in Benghazi. June 25: A new Parliament is elected to replace the GNC.July: Benghazi falls into the hands of militias. In August a coalition of militants led by the Fajr Libya group seizes control of Tripoli.The GNC decides to resume work and the country has two parliaments.Since then the government of Abdullah Al-Thani and the new Parliament have been exiled in eastern Libya.Sept. 2: The GNC approves a parallel government presented by Omar Al-Hassi a figure close to the militants who proclaims himself head.Oct. 18: Operations against militants west of Tripoli and in Benghazi carried out by forces loyal to Haftar and militias that back the pro-Western government are placed under its command.Dec. 31: France urges allies to prevent the creation of a militant 'sanctuary' in Libya.2015Jan. 16: Warring Libyan factions agree in Geneva on a plan to form a unity government after two days of UN-brokered talks. They call for a cease-fire.