On 5 March 2011, anti-Gaddafi forces said they were preparing to capture the city.

This allowed the anti-Gaddafi forces to retake control of the city.

It was retaken a third time by anti-Gaddafi forces in August.

On the morning of 15 September, anti-Gaddafi forces entered the city itself where fighting erupted.

On the same day, anti-Gaddafi forces repelled the attack on the city.

Gates also told the members of Congress that other countries would have to train the anti-Gaddafi forces:

Reuters says armed anti-Gaddafi forces have seized the city.

Two Indians have died in the clashes between pro and anti-Gaddafi forces.

During the Libyan civil war, anti-Gaddafi forces moved into the city on 5 March.

The anti-Gaddafi forces fled the town and on 7 March it was back in the hand of the government.