Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, a prominent son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has reportedly been killed, according to statements from his lawyer, political associates and local media outlets. He was 53.
Members of his political team alleged that armed, masked men stormed his residence in Zintan, a town southwest of Tripoli, in what they described as an assassination. However, details surrounding the circumstances of his death remain unclear, and there was no immediate official confirmation from Libyan authorities.
The reported killing has triggered calls from political figures for an urgent and transparent investigation. Among them is former head of the High State Council, Khaled al-Mishri, who urged authorities to clarify the circumstances of the incident amid ongoing security concerns.
Libya continues to grapple with fragile political conditions and security tensions more than a decade after the uprising that ended Muammar Gaddafi’s rule in 2011.
Saif al-Islam was once considered a potential successor to his father and played a significant role in Libya’s political affairs before and during the 2011 conflict.
Following the uprising, he was captured and imprisoned by fighters in Zintan. He was later released in 2017 under a general pardon and subsequently lived largely out of public view.
He faced longstanding allegations related to the 2011 conflict, including sanctions and an International Criminal Court warrant over alleged crimes against humanity—claims he consistently denied.
In 2021, he attempted to contest Libya’s presidential election, but his candidacy became highly controversial and contributed to disputes that ultimately stalled the electoral process.
As of the time of reporting, authorities had not announced any arrests or identified suspects, while calls continued for clarity over the circumstances surrounding his reported killing.
