Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was a Libyan military officer, revolutionary, and political leader who ruled Libya from 1969 until his death in 2011. He came to power by leading a military coup that overthrew the monarchy and established a republic governed by his Revolutionary Command Council. Gaddafi promoted Arab nationalism, Islamic socialism, and his own political philosophy outlined in his Green Book. His rule was marked by nationalization of oil, development programs, and controversial foreign policies as well as repression of opposition. Gaddafi's reign ended violently during the 2011 Libyan Civil War. After months of conflict and NATO intervention, he was captured and killed by rebel forces in his hometown Sirte in October 2011. His death is surrounded by disputed circumstances involving beatings, injuries from a grenade explosion, and possible extrajudicial execution by militia fighters.

If you would like, additional detailed facts about his life or the events surrounding his death can be provided.