TRIPOLI: Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the eldest son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has reportedly been killed in what is being described as a targeted assassination, according to local media and officials.

His lawyer, Khaled al-Zaidi, and political adviser, Abdulla Othman, confirmed the news through social media posts. Saif al-Islam, 53, was allegedly murdered at his home in Zintan, located around 136 kilometers southwest of Tripoli, Libya’s capital.

According to Libyan outlet Fawasel Media, four masked attackers stormed his residence and reportedly disabled security cameras to cover their actions. Reports claim Saif al-Islam attempted to resist the attackers but was eventually overpowered. His political team condemned the killing, calling it a “cowardly and treacherous assassination.”

The incident has triggered strong political reactions. Khaled al-Mishri, former head of Libya’s High State Council, demanded an “urgent and transparent investigation,” urging authorities to identify those responsible and determine the motive behind the attack.

Although Saif al-Islam Gaddafi never held an official government position, he was widely seen as the political heir of Muammar Gaddafi and remained influential during his father’s rule between 2000 and 2011. His political presence was especially significant in the later years of the Gaddafi regime.

Following the fall of Tripoli in 2011 and the collapse of the regime, Saif al-Islam was captured while attempting to flee. He was imprisoned in Zintan for several years until 2017, when he was reportedly released under a general amnesty. Since then, he had continued living in Zintan.

His reported assassination has shocked Libya’s political circles, as many observers considered him a key figure with potential influence in future reconciliation efforts and elections. Security sources say investigations are currently underway to track down the attackers.

The killing once again highlights Libya’s ongoing instability, where political divisions and weak law enforcement continue to create serious security concerns. Local and international authorities are closely monitoring developments, while citizens await further official updates.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)