TRIPOLI – Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the eldest son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed, according to local media and officials.
His lawyer, Khaled al-Zaidi, and political adviser, Abdulla Othman, confirmed the news in posts on social media. The 53-year-old was reportedly murdered in his home in Zintan, around 136 kilometers southwest of Tripoli, Libya’s capital.
According to Libyan outlet Fawasel Media, four masked attackers stormed Saif al-Islam’s residence. They allegedly disabled security cameras to hide their actions. Gaddafi reportedly tried to resist the assailants, but he was overpowered. His political team described the killing as a “cowardly and treacherous assassination.”
Former head of Libya’s High State Council, Khaled al-Mishri, called for an “urgent and transparent investigation” into the murder. Authorities have been urged to uncover the motives and identities of the attackers.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi never held an official government position, but he was considered the political heir of Muammar Gaddafi. He held influence during his father’s rule from 2000 until 2011, when Muammar Gaddafi was killed, and the regime collapsed.
Following the fall of Tripoli in 2011, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was captured while attempting to flee. He was imprisoned in Zintan until 2017, when a general amnesty led to his release. Since then, he had been living in Zintan.
The assassination has shocked Libyan political circles. Observers note that Saif al-Islam remained a key figure in Libyan politics, with potential influence in national reconciliation and elections. His death could further complicate Libya’s fragile political situation.
Security sources report that investigations are underway to identify those responsible. The killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi highlights ongoing instability and lawlessness in certain regions of Libya.
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Local and international authorities are monitoring the situation. Calls for a fair and transparent probe emphasize the need for accountability. Citizens and political leaders alike await further updates on the assassination of Saif al-Islam.
