Bab al-Azizia
Bab al-Azizia (Arabic: باب العزيزية, romanized: Bāb al ‘Azīzīyah, Libyan pronunciation: [bæːb əl ʕæziːˈzijjæ], lit. 'The Splendid Gate') was a military barracks and compound situated in the southern suburbs of Tripoli, the capital of Libya. It served as the main base for the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi until its capture by anti-Gaddafi forces on 23 August 2011, during the Battle of Tripoli in the Libyan Civil War.
| Bab al-Azizia | |
|---|---|
باب العزيزية | |
| Tripoli, Libya | |
Gaddafi on a billboard at Bab al-Azizia celebrating his 41st year of leading Libya, 2010. | |
| Coordinates | 32°52′20″N 13°10′25″E |
| Type | Military barracks and compound |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Libyan Army (pro-GNU) |
| Site history | |
| Demolished | 30 October 2011 |
| Events | 1986 bombing of Libya Libyan Civil War Battle of Tripoli |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders | Abdelhakim Belhaj |
The 6-square-kilometre (2.3 sq mi) base is strategically located south of Tripoli city centre at the northern end of Airport Highway, allowing easy access to government assets within the city as well as direct high-speed road access to Tripoli International Airport. After the Libyan Civil War, the compound was partially demolished. Some parts of it remain today, albeit in disrepair. The plan, however, is to eventually demolish the entire compound and turn it into a park.