11 June - American Evacuation Day (Libya)

 

American Evacuation Day in Libya is a significant event commemorating the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Libya on 11 June 1970. This day marks the end of a chapter in the history of U.S. military presence in the North African country. The evacuation was ordered by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who had come to power in 1969 following a coup that overthrew King Idris. Gaddafi's nationalist policies and his drive to eliminate foreign military influence led to the expulsion of both British and American forces.

The withdrawal of American troops from Wheelus Air Base, a major U.S. military installation near Tripoli, was a pivotal moment in Libya's post-colonial history. The base had been a symbol of Western presence in the region and its evacuation was celebrated by Libyans as a step towards full sovereignty and independence. The departure of U.S. forces also marked a shift in Libya's foreign policy, as Gaddafi sought to assert more control over the country's resources and align more closely with other Arab and African nations.

American Evacuation Day is remembered in Libya as a day of national pride, symbolizing the country's determination to rid itself of foreign military bases and influence. It reflects Libya's broader efforts during that period to assert its independence and pursue a path of self-determination. The event remains a significant historical milestone, reflecting the complex interplay of international relations, nationalism, and the quest for sovereignty in the 20th century.