On 3 February in the afternoon, four unidentified gunmen disabled the surveillance cameras at Saif al-Islam al-Qadhafi’s residence in Zintan before storming the property. Allegedly, Saif confronted the assailants in his garden and was shot 19 times, one bullet to the head. The assailants fled the scene and have not yet been identified. The time of death was later determined to be 17:57.
Saif’s political team accused unidentified assailants of carrying out a deliberate assassination. They called for an independent international investigation, warning that the killing threatens Libya’s stability. They urged supporters to remain calm while vowing accountability for those responsible.
Immediately rumours began circulating about who was responsible, blaming the Haftar family, the Dabaiba clan, the 444th Combat Brigade, foreign intelligence services – especially the French, the Americans, or the Israeli Mossad – for having orchestrated the assassination of Saif.
The 444th Combat Brigade raised its alert status but denied any involvement in the killing.
On 4 February in the early hours, Saif al‑Islam’s death was formally confirmed by the Attorney General’s Office. According to the statement, investigators were dispatched immediately after receiving a report of his death. A forensic team examined the body and determined that he had been killed by gunshot wounds. The Office said that authorities have begun gathering evidence, identifying suspects, and preparing potential prosecutions. As of 10 February, no suspects have been identified.
UNSMIL condemned Saif al‑Islam’s killing, urging a swift and transparent investigation by Libyan authorities while calling on all parties to show restraint to prevent further instability.
The African Union urged the Libyan authorities to conduct a full, transparent investigation into the killing of former presidential candidate Saif al‑Islam, warning that the incident poses a serious threat to Libya’s political transition. In a statement, AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said he was deeply concerned by reports that Saif was assassinated. He condemned the act as one that undermines efforts toward a credible and inclusive political process, and he offered condolences to Saif’s family and all affected.
Interestingly, individual foreign countries have not commented on Saif’s death other than Russia, which condemned the killing of Saif and called for a thorough investigation.
Omar Abu Sharida, Saif’s special representative, said the political team will not accuse any party of the assassination until the Attorney General’s Office completes its investigation. He described Saif al‑Islam as a central figure in Libya and said the team welcomes cooperation between the Attorney General’s Office, international bodies, and human rights organizations.
Qadhafi loyalists issued a statement condemning the killing of Saif al‑Islam and insisting the assassination will not deter them from what they describe as their mission to restore the authority, independence, and unity of the Libyan state. They said Saif al‑Islam’s death will not erase the political project he championed, arguing that his ideas had taken root among many Libyans. The statement emphasized that Qadhafi loyalists remain a unified bloc and will continue their political struggle, committed to what they call a national project aimed at safeguarding Libya’s sovereignty, unity, and the principle of popular authority.
Aisha al‑Qadhafi mourned her brother Saif al‑Islam, praising his courage, accusing his killers of betraying Libya, and calling him ‘the last knight’ who died standing on his homeland’s soil.
The Presidential Council expressed sorrow over Saif al‑Islam Gaddafi’s killing, urged all parties to await the official investigation, called for calm and responsible public discourse, and warned that the assassination aims to undermine reconciliation and free elections.
On 5 February, Government of National Unity (GNU) PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba condemned the killing of Saif al‑Islam, saying it proves that Libyan blood, regardless of who it belongs to, is a red line that must not be crossed. He argued that assassinations and exclusion have never built a state or stability, but instead deepened divisions and prolonged conflict. The PM stressed that only the rule of law and an independent judiciary can guarantee rights and protect dignity.
Notably, none of the eastern authorities issued any public statements about Saif’s killing.
On 6 February, Saif al-Islam was buried after Friday prayers in Bani Walid, a Qadhafi loyalist stronghold 175 km south of Tripoli, next to his brother Khamis. Thousands of supporters paraded with portraits of Muammar Qadhafi, the pre-2011 green Libyan flag, and chanted pro-Qadhafi slogans declaring ‘the martyrs’ blood will not be shed in vain,’ amid tight security by the GNU’s interior ministry. There were no major incidents.
On 9 February, Libyan National Army (LNA) Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar met with Sebha Military Zone Commander Major General Mabrouk Sahban to review security and military conditions in the South, praising local units for their role in stabilizing the region and affirming full support of the LNA General Command to ensure they can carry out their duties effectively.