The Qadhadhfa (also al-Qaddafa, Gaddadfa, Qaddadfa, Gaddafa; Arabic: القذاذفـة) is one of the ArabAshraf[1] tribes in Libya, living in the Sirte District in present-day northwestern Libya. They are traditionally counted amongst the country's Ashraf tribes, and during the Gaddafi regime were regarded as one of the greatest and most powerful tribes in the whole country. They are now mostly centered at Qasr Abu Hadi, Sirte.
History
The progenitor of the Banu Qadhadhfa was Amr Qadhadhf al-Dam (عمرو قذاف الدم), who claimed to be a descendant of Musa al-Kadhim.[1]
The tribe has supported the idea of Arab unity as an Arab tribe in Libya itself. They are notable for their role in the 1969 coup d'état that deposed King Idris of Libya and as the tribe of his successor Muammar Gaddafi.
The tribe has proven to be an influential player in Libya's ongoing civil war. It is known for its active presence in Sirte. Their dominance of the region caused Sirte to grow and become comparable to Tripoli and Benghazi in terms of national power. Qadhadhfa influence caused Sirte and Sabha to become completely loyal to Gaddafi during his rule of the country.[citation needed]
After Gaddafi's death in October 2011, leading members of the Qadhadhfa demanded the return of his body by Misratanfighters for burial by relatives in Sirte.[3]
Massoud Abdelhafid — Libyan General, Relative Of Muammar Gaddafi and Ahmad Gaddaf al-Dam. One of the most notable figures during the rule of Muammar Gaddafi. Married to Ahmad Gaddaf Al Dam’s Sister.