Libyan prosecutors revealed they are investigating the murder of Saif al-Islam, son of Colonel Gaddafi, Libya's former dictatorial leader. Initial reports indicate Saif was shot by a group of gunmen who stormed his home.
On Wednesday, 4 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Libyan prosecutors announced they are investigating the killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, Libya's long-time dictator who was ousted during the 2011 Arab Spring revolution.
Saif's office issued a statement saying he was killed during a direct confrontation with four unidentified gunmen who broke into his residence in the city of Zintan.
"The victim died from gunshot wounds," Libyan prosecutors stated on Wednesday, adding they are currently working to identify the group of gunmen responsible.
However, information from his sister, who spoke to Libyan television, indicated that the 53-year-old Saif died near the Algerian border.
Saif's lawyer told AFP news agency that four commando operatives stormed and killed him inside his home in Zintan, but it remains unclear who was behind the attack.
Saif al-Islam has long been regarded as the most influential and formidable figure in Libya after his father, who ruled Libya from 1969 until he was overthrown and killed during the 2011 Arab Spring revolution.
John Simpson, BBC's foreign editor who once met Saif al-Islam, described him as “an odd and moody individual, but far less neurotic than his father.”
“During the 2011 revolution, he gave an interview to the BBC only to shout insults at me in front of his officials,” Simpson recalled. “But once he sent them away, he apologized profusely, saying, ‘They expected me to act that way.’”
Libyan journalist and writer Abdulqader Assad believes Saif may have been targeted by local factions feeling their political influence threatened by his popularity, although foreign powers could also be involved.
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Source:bbc