Moammar Gadhafi: Longtime Libyan Ruler Killed at 69

Moammar Gadhafi was the ruler of Libya from 1969 to 2011. Born on June 7, 1942, near Sirte, he took power as a young army officer in a coup against King Idris.

He ruled for 42 years, ran the country under his Green Book philosophy and was accused of sponsoring terrorism, including the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. He later improved ties with the West. In 2011 an uprising against his rule became a civil war with NATO intervention.

He was captured and killed near Sirte on October 20, 2011, at about age 69, after rebel forces took the city.

Achievements: Leader of Libya (1969-2011).

Birth: June 7, 1942 - near Sirte, Libya.

Profession: Dictator and military officer.

Interesting Facts: He was Africa's longest-ruling leader at the time.