Muammar Gaddafi’s Son Saif Al-Islam Shot Dead In Armed Attack At His Home

Libya: There has again been a major upheaval in Libyan politics. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi – who was once considered the biggest heir to his father, Muammar Gaddafi—is no more. He died at the age of 53, and that too in a very horrifying manner.

How did the attack happen?

His political office people said that four masked gunmen entered his house. His residence was in Zintan city. There was a direct confrontation, firing and he died. His lawyer told AFP that it was a completely planned murder. A small commando team of four people targeted the house. The question remains unresolved as to who got this work done and why.

Why confusion about death?

The matter became more complicated when Saif's sister said that he died near the Algeria border. Meaning everything is confusing including the place. Did it happen in Zintan or on the border? There is no definite answer yet. Investigation is going on, but everything seems murky at the moment.

Why was Saif's story so special?

His life, like the entire history of Libya, was full of ups and downs. Sometimes very close to power, sometimes completely missing. Before 2011, he was among the biggest faces of the country. But when the revolution happened, Gaddafi's regime collapsed, Saif was captured. Spent about 10 years in jail.

What did he do after coming out of jail?

When he came out, he tried to enter politics again. There was talk of contesting the presidential elections, which further complicated the already divided Libyan politics. Officially, he did not hold any big post, but from behind he was considered to have a lot of influence.

Negotiated to shut down Libya's nuclear weapons program. Also helped in providing compensation to the families of the victims of Lockerbie bomb incident (Pan Am Flight 103). They talked about changes in the constitution and human rights – so that Libya's image looks a little better in the world.

What will happen next now?

His death comes at a time when Libya is already torn from within – factionalism, instability, no stable government. If another big name suddenly disappears then there is every possibility of the situation getting worse. Saif al-Islam's entire story was incomplete and painful, and Libya's recent history is similar. Now his death has added another painful page to that story.