The Libyan civil war began in January 2011 as peaceful protests against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's government, which were part of the Arab Spring uprisings. Violence soon broke out between protesters and police. In February 2011, the National Transitional Council was formed to coordinate opposition efforts. Throughout 2011, rebel forces gained control of eastern Libya and some western cities, while Gaddafi forces regained other territory. By August 2011, rebels launched a decisive offensive capturing Tripoli in late August. On October 20th, 2011, Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed in Sirte, bringing an end to the civil war. However, some fighting continued between militias and tribal groups.