How did the government respond?

History of protest

A "Day of Rage" was declared for 17 February by the National Conference for the Libyan Opposition. Libyan military and security forces fired live ammunition on protesters.

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What has been the result?

On 18 February, security forces withdrew from Benghazi after being overwhelmed by protesters—some security personnel also joined the protesters. The protests spread across the country and anti-Gaddafi forces established a provisional government based in Benghazi, called the National Transitional Council with the stated goal to overthrow the Gaddafi government in Tripoli.