In a development that has sent shockwaves through North Africa, Libyan media have confirmed that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi has been killed. The son of the late Muammar Gaddafi was reportedly assassinated by four gunmen at his residence near the city of Zintan in western Libya.+1
Confirmation of Death
The news was officially confirmed by Abdullah Othman, Saif al-Islam’s political adviser, through a brief statement on social media. While Othman verified the death, he did not provide specific details regarding the identity of the attackers or the exact circumstances surrounding the breach of security.+1
Saif al-Islam’s political team has since issued an official statement mourning his death and stated that arrangements are currently underway to recover his body.
A Volatile Legacy Ends
Saif al-Islam, once considered the reformist heir-apparent to his father’s regime, had lived in a state of semi-secrecy since his release from militia custody years ago. He had recently attempted to re-emerge as a central figure in Libyan politics, positioning himself as a candidate for the country’s long-delayed presidential elections.
His assassination marks a violent end to the Gaddafi family’s remaining influence in the region and threatens to further destabilize the precarious security balance between rival factions in western Libya.
Security Situation in Zintan
Early reports indicate that the assault was carried out by four individuals who targeted his home under the cover of night. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the hit. Local authorities in Zintan, a city that has served as his stronghold and protective base for over a decade, have yet to release a detailed report on the failure of security protocols.
