Gaddafi loyalism

The Green Resistance is a generic term for a Libyan anti-government movement that arose following the 2011 fall of the government. It is inspired by the Jamahiriya ideology of the deposed former leader of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi. The name refers to the green flag of the country during the period of Gaddafi's rule. The group claims to have the support of the majority of Libyans and 90,000 fighters. It is a partisan group responsible for ambushing convoys, raids, assassinations, bombings and uprisings. A number of tribes back the movement. Women who believe their rights have been taken away and Sub-Saharan Africans who believe the same, make up many of the resistance fighters.

Demonstrations in support of the movement are often fired on by the regime. The movement's espoused aims are a secular, socialist, peaceful and democratic Libya, free of foreign intervention. They allege that the government is conducting genocide on black Africans, and demand it stop. They also demand full restoration of women's rights. Whether or not the allegations and grievances are true, the guerrillas seem to have undeniable support in certain areas. Support is most prominent in Sirte, Tripoli, Bani Walid, Az Zawiyah, Kufra, Sabha and Gadamis to name a few. One of the more notable victims of the insurgency was the man held most responsible for the killing of Gaddafi without trial. The insurgents have captured a number of villages, towns and cities. For example, following a successful ambush of militia forces the people of Bani Walid drove out government forces and placed it under the control of the green resistance. The city was held for several months. Military victories and pro Gaddafi uprisings have meant that large swathes of southern Libya are now under the control of the rebels.

News channels such as RT News, Press TV, France 24, CNN News and Al Jazeera have done various reports on the guerrillas exploits, referring to the green troops as Gaddafi loyalists.

Some journalists have suggested that the Green Resistance was responsible for the 2012 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, although this is a minority view. In 2013 the resistance may have bombed the French embassy with a car. No-one was killed.

The Libyan Popular National Movement, formed on 15 February 2012, is the political party representing the Green Resistance.

Like most rebel forces, they are hailed as freedom fighters by supporters, and denounced as terrorists by their opponents.

Protests in support of the Green resistance have ensued across the world.