Videos: The Libyan uprising

GlobalPost

GlobalPost has been covering the story since the beginning of the uprising. Video reporters Nichole Sobecki and James Foley have documented the rebels' struggle as they claimed, then lost, key towns. In March, as President Muammar al-Gaddafi's troops closed in on the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, it seemed all but certain that the loyalist troops would crush the movement.

In a surprising turn, the United Nations approved a resolution to intervene in Libya, establishing a no-fly zone, enforced by NATO, to protect the rebels from what seemed like imminent death at the hands of Gaddafi's forces. Rebels celebrated in the streets.

But the battle waged on for months. In August, the rebels finally reached Tripoli, capturing the Libyan capital and dealing a crippling blow to Gaddafi's government. The deposed leader fled, along with his family. Celebratory gunfire rang out across the capital. The new government, however, couldn't fully declare the takeover of Libya until the last strongholds of Gaddafi were overthrown.

Bani Walid, and Sirte, Gaddafi's hometown, remained. After a bloody battle, first Bani Walid, and now Sirte on Thursday, Oct. 20, fell to the rebels. Muammar al-Gaddafi was reported dead in Sirte shortly afterward, bringing a final end to his decades-long regime. Videos showed rebels dancing in the streets and firing guns into the air.

But perhaps the more difficult work now lies ahead for the fighters, now former rebels, as they attempt to establish a new, representative government.

Meanwhile, take a look back with GlobalPost at the twists and turns of the Libyan uprising. 

March 2, 2011: Opposition forces in Libya repel government loyalists in Brega, a key oil-producing city, as Libyan leader Gaddafi strikes back.

March 6, 2011: Opposition forces advance on Tripoli, but are halted by Gaddafi forces in Bin Jawwad.  

March 17, 2011: Resident of Benghazi celebrate after learning of the U.N. resolution to intervene in Libya.  

March 17, 2011: With U.N. backing, the rebels of Benghazi prepare to battle Gaddafi's forces.  

April 3, 2011: After some of the worst fighting since the revolution began, wounded rebels tell their story.  

April 4, 2011: Who are the Libyan rebels? A closer look at the ragtag fighters determined to overthrow Gaddafi.  

August 27, 2011: Tripoli falls to the rebels.  

Sept. 5, 2011: Migrants or mercenaries? African migrants accused of fighting for Gaddafi face an uncertain fate.  

Sept. 16, 2011: As rebels rumbled towards the pro-Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte, they were met by fierce resistance from pro-Gaddafi fighters.  

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!