THREAD: Sheikh Umar al-Mukhtar / Lion of the Desert
It’s been 91 years today since Sheikh Umar al-Mukhtar was publicly hanged by Italian colonial forces.
Italian General, Rodolfo Graziani, confronted Umar al-Mukhtar 160 times during 18 months of Italian occupation of #Libya.
General Graziani was so desperate because all of the measures he had taken proven to be unsuccessful in stopping the resistance led by Sheikh Umar al-Mukhtar.
His only hope was to wait for the natural death of Umar al-Mukhtar, as he reported to his superiors: "Umar al-Mukhtar is an old man and he is going to die, sooner or later, therefore, we have to wait for that hour, hoping it won't be long."
When Umar al-Mukhtar was finally captured and sent to the gallows, the Italian colonialists forced 20,000 Libyans to attend his execution.
As Umar stepped on the hanging spot, many Italian fighter jets started flying so low, above the execution area, with an unbearable noise to prevent the people from hearing any words of Umar al-Mukhtar.
General Graziani described Umar al-Mukhtar as someone who fought with sincerity and loyalty, attached to his religion and merciful when victorious. He never showed any weakness and wasn't a sell out. Hence, he was respected by his enemies.
The Times published an article on 17 September, 1931, entitled “An Italian Victory”
“The Italians have achieved a signicant victory in their war against the Sannusi rebels in Barqah. They have arrested and executed the fearful man, ‘Umar al-Mukhtar, the Shaikh of the tribe...
…Al-Mukhtar never accepted financial offers from the Italians. He spent all his property for the sake of jihad and lived upon the giving of his followers. He was admired for his enthusiasm, loyalty to his religion, and his exceptional bravery…”
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