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Today in History: Muammar Gaddafi topples King Idris in Libyan coup

9/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 1 September 1969, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi headed the Free Officers movement in a bloodless coup that toppled King Idris I, ending the Senussi monarchy and establishing the Libyan Arab Republic. The Arab-nationalist officers seized power in Tripoli, launching Gaddafi’s three-decade rule and reshaping Libya’s political landscape.

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Story summary

On 1 September 1969, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi headed the Free Officers movement in a bloodless coup that toppled King Idris I, ending the Senussi monarchy and establishing the Libyan Arab Republic. The Arab-nationalist officers seized power in Tripoli, launching Gaddafi’s three-decade rule and reshaping Libya’s political landscape.