Muammar Muhammad al- Qadhafi

Qadhafi, Muammar Muhammad al- (1942– ), Libyan leader. One of a group of army officers who deposed King Idris I in 1969, he became chairman of the ruling Revolutionary Command Council and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. One of the world's most controversial heads of state, he has been vehemently anti-Israel and supported several insurgent and terrorist groups around the world. In response to his support of terrorists, in 1986 U.S. planes attacked Tripoli, destroying a military camp.

See also: Libya.