In 2008 , Swiss officials jailed one of Gadhafi 's sons , prompting the furious leader to cut off the country 's oil supplies , withdraw the country 's money from Swiss banks and threaten to cut off diplomatic relations . Colonel Gadhafi has ruled Libya for 42 years . He took power in a bloodless coup with fellow military officers in 1969 . His attempts at a larger political role have often brought harsh international attention to his nation .
Colonel Gadhafi has ruled Libya for 42 years . He took power in a bloodless coup with fellow military officers in 1969 . His attempts at a larger political role have often brought harsh international attention to his nation .