Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Killed in Libya, Say Sources

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libya’s late leader Muammar Gaddafi and long regarded as his political heir, was killed late Tuesday night, according to his legal and political representatives. He was 53 years old.

The incident occurred at his private residence in the city of Zintan, located about 136 kilometers southwest of the capital, Tripoli. Armed assailants opened fire on him inside the house, leading to his death.

According to Saif al-Islam’s lawyer and political team, four masked gunmen disconnected the home’s CCTV system before breaking in and carrying out the attack. He had been living in Zintan since his release from prison in 2017.

During his father’s rule, Saif al-Islam was often portrayed as a reformist figure and was seen as a possible successor. He held a PhD from the London School of Economics and was considered by some to be a key link between Libya and the international community at the time.

Following the 2011 popular uprising that ended Muammar Gaddafi’s 40-year rule, a Libyan court sentenced Saif al-Islam to death. He was also charged by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

In 2021, Saif al-Islam announced his candidacy for Libya’s presidential election, a move that triggered widespread controversy and protests across the country.

Muammar Gaddafi’s decades-long rule came to an end in 2011, after which Libya descended into prolonged political instability. With the death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, a major chapter in the political legacy of the Gaddafi family has effectively come to a close.