aica was merged with Tripolitania and Fezzan to form the independent Kingdom of Libya, of which both Benghazi and Tripoli were capital cities. Benghazi lost its capital status when the Free Officers under the leadership of Muammar Gaddafi staged a coup d'�tat in 1969, whereafter all government institutions were concentrated in Tripoli. Even though King Idris was forced into exile and the monarchy abolished, support for the Senussi dynasty remained strong in Cyrenaica. This was emphasized by real or perceived injustices from the government towards the people of Benghazi, including the demolition in the year 2000 of the arena of football club Alahly Benghazi S.C., following anti-government protests.
On 15 April 1986 US Air Force and Navy planes bombed Benghazi and Tripoli. President Ronald Reagan justified the attacks by claiming Libya was responsible for terrorism directed at the USA, including the bombing of La Belle discoth�que in West Berlin ten days before.
2011 Uprising (17 February Revolution)
In February 2011, the city was the scene of violent protests. There were reports of the military and mercenaries being sent to "likely trouble spots", sections of the city being cordoned off, killings, and the destruction of the homes of those suspected of anti-Gaddafi regime sympathies. At least 200 people were killed in the protests against the government.
The former Libyan flag used in the Kingdom of Libya has been used by many protesters as an oppositionflag. Demonstrators to Colonel Gaddafi were also seen carrying images of King Idris I. Benghazi and the Cyrenaica have been traditional strongholds of the royal Senussi dynasty.
As of 21 February, the city was reported to be largely controlled by the opposition. The widely loathed mayor,Huda Ben Amer, nicknamed "the Executioner", fled the city for Tripoli. Residents organised to direct traffic and collect refuse. By 24 February, a committee made up of lawyers, judges and respected
