1. The Assassination: A “Direct Confrontation”
According to statements from his political office and his lawyer, Khaled al-Zaidi, the operation was a calculated and surgical strike.
The Operation: At approximately 2:00 PM local time, a “four-man commando” unit stormed Gadhafi’s residence.
The Tactics: The assailants reportedly disabled all surveillance cameras on the property before entering. A “direct armed confrontation” ensued, during which Seif al-Islam was fatally shot.
Conflicting Reports: While most sources confirm the Zintan residence as the site of the hit, Seif’s sister, Aisha Gadhafi, provided a conflicting account to local television, suggesting he may have been killed near the Algerian border.
2. The Investigation: Unanswered Questions
The Libyan Attorney General’s Office has officially opened a probe into the killing, but as of Wednesday, February 4, no group has claimed responsibility.
Security Breach: His French lawyer, Marcel Ceccaldi, revealed that Seif had been warned of security breaches just ten days prior. He had reportedly refused an offer from the head of the Gadhafi tribe to send additional guards.
The Suspects: Suspicion remains broad, ranging from rival regional militias to “foreign actors” interested in removing a symbolic hurdle to Libya’s stalled election process. The 444th Brigade has already issued a statement categorically denying any involvement in the clashes.
3. The End of a Political Chapter
Seif al-Islam was 53 at the time of his death. His life mirrored the turbulence of modern Libya:
The Reformer: Once the Western-educated “face of reform” who negotiated Libya’s exit from pariah status in the 2000s.
The Fugitive: Wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity during the 2011 uprising.
The Candidate: His 2021 bid for the presidency was a major factor in the collapse of the scheduled elections, as rival factions could not agree on his eligibility.
