Good timing. The coup was carried out on the 1st and 2nd September, 1969. This was a time when King Idris was outside the country.

The weakness of the Libyan army. The army was small, poorly trained and had outdated weapons.

Good planning strategy. It was not a single year's plan;

Discipline and top secrecy. The coup planners formed a cell organisation and named themselves the Free Unionist Officers. They spent most of their time in prayers which helped them to camouflage for a long time undetected.

The early capture of Gurnada military armoury. This was located near Benghazi and had the most up to date weapons in Libya at that time.

The capture of Radio Benghazi. In their strategy, the next item to capture was the Radio station at Benghazi.

The ability and experience of Gadafi. He was a excellent signal officer who made good use of the newly acquired signal system to lead to the coup plotters to success.

The unpopularity of King Idris led to success.

Overwhelming welcome of the coup by the public. Almost everywhere in Libya, the news of the coup was received with a lot of enthusiasm.

Support from Nasser of Egypt.