Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi, has been assassinated. The Libyan Attorney General’s Office officially confirmed this on Wednesday, 4 February 2026. After examining the body, investigators and doctors said that he died due to gunshot wound. The incident occurred on Tuesday in Zintan city of western Libya.
How was the murder committed?
According to Saif al-Islam’s lawyer Khalid al-Zaidi, the attack occurred at around 2:00 pm on Tuesday, 3 February 2026. Reports suggest that four masked attackers or a unit of commandos had entered his house. The attackers first switched off the CCTV cameras installed there and then opened fire on them. Gaddafi tried to defend himself, but he lost his life in the attack.
What is the update regarding the investigation and legal situation?
Libya’s Attorney General has registered a criminal case to arrest the accused. After this incident, 444 Combat Brigade has issued a statement making it clear that they have nothing to do with this attack. Saif al-Islam was also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and was considered a leading candidate for the presidential elections in Libya.