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Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the second eldest son of former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, has been murdered. He was 53 years old. Libyan officials, his family members, lawyer and political team have confirmed this tragic incident on Tuesday (3 February 2026). The murder took place at his home in the city of Zintan in north-western Libya. According to reports, four masked and armed attackers entered his house. They first turned off the home’s security cameras, then shot and killed Saif al-Islam during a clash. The attackers fled from the spot after the murder. It is not yet clear who these attackers were and what was the reason behind their murder. The Libyan government has started investigating this matter.

Saif al-Islam was previously considered the next leader of Libya after his father Muammar Gaddafi. Muammar Gaddafi ruled Libya with a strict rule from 1969 to 2011, i.e. for about 42 years. During the Arab Spring in 2011, there were large protests in the country, which soon turned into civil war. With the support of NATO countries, rebels removed Gaddafi from power and captured and killed him. At that time Saif al-Islam was also playing a very important role in the government. Some saw him as a reformist leader, but during the rebellion he supported harsh measures to crush opponents.

Al-Islam tries to escape to Niger

Saif al-Islam was trying to flee Niger after the fall of the Gaddafi regime in 2011, but was captured by rebel fighters. He was imprisoned for several years by a militia (armed group) from the city of Zintan. In 2015, a Libyan court sentenced him to death in absentia because he was accused of spreading violence during the rebellion. The International Criminal Court (ICC) had also issued an arrest warrant against him on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Murder may cause upheaval

In 2017, he was released under a general amnesty in Libya. After this he again became active in politics. In 2021, he announced to contest for the post of President of Libya, but the elections were postponed due to political differences and instability in the country. The Election Commission had also rejected his candidature. This assassination of Saif al-Islam may cause further turmoil in Libya’s already unstable politics. Conflict continues between different militias and groups in the country, and this incident has once again raised questions on the security situation.