Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, has been shot dead. According to Libyan media, his death was confirmed on Tuesday (3 February 2026). Saif al-Islam was 53 years old. His lawyer told that this incident happened in Zintan city of Libya, where his house was attacked by four armed men. The attackers have been described as a commando unit. At present it is not clear who carried out the attack and why.
According to AFP report, Saif al-Islam was once considered the successor of his father. He was an important face in Libyan politics. His father Muammar Gaddafi ruled Libya from 1969 to 2011. The Gaddafi government came to an end after the rebellion in 2011.
Played role in improving relations with western countries
Saif al-Islam, born in 1972, played an important role in improving relations between Libya and Western countries after 2000. He led many international negotiations. Due to these efforts, Libya gave up its nuclear program, after which many international sanctions imposed on the country were lifted. This increased Saif’s political power and identity, although he did not hold any government post.
Jail, death penalty and controversy
After the fall of the Gaddafi government in 2011, Saif al-Islam was accused of suppressing anti-government protests. He was kept in prison by a militia from Zintan for about six years. In 2015, a Libyan court also sentenced him to death in his absence.
Announcement to contest presidential elections
Saif al-Islam had announced to contest the Libyan presidential elections in 2021, but the elections were postponed due to the unstable situation in the country. He always said that he was not in favor of inheriting power. He said that power is not a land which can be inherited. Saif al-Islam’s assassination is expected to increase instability in Libyan politics once again.
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