Battle of Jufra
Battle of Jufra was a battle fought between 19 and 21 September 2011 during the Fezzan campaign of the First Libyan Civil War. Forces of the National Transitional Council (NTC) captured the Jufra District, including the town of Hun, from forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
Background
After the fall of Tripoli, National Transitional Council forces advanced into southern Libya to eliminate remaining loyalist strongholds. Jufra was strategically important because of its location in central Libya and the presence of the Al Jufra Air Base.
Battle
On 19 September 2011, NTC forces captured Zella, opening the route toward Jufra.
On 21 September, loyalist forces shelled Hun, but NTC forces entered and secured the town. Later that day, NTC officials announced that the entire Jufra District had been captured.
During a NATO press briefing on 21 September 2011, Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard confirmed that anti-Gaddafi forces had taken control of the Jufra area.
Aftermath
The capture of Jufra deprived Gaddafi's forces of an important logistical hub in central Libya and facilitated the National Transitional Council's advance toward Sabha, contributing to the successful conclusion of the Fezzan campaign.
See also
- Fezzan campaign
- First Libyan Civil War
- Battle of Sabha (2011)
- Al Jufra Air Base