February 4, 2026
Son of Libya's Muammar Gaddafi assassinated by masked gunmen in Zintan
Son of former dictator dies as Libya instability continues
🌍Foreign Policy
Four gunmen broke into Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's home on Feb. 4, 2026. They killed him and fled. Gaddafi's office confirmed his death but didn't identify the attackers or their motive.
Saif al-Islam was the second son of Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled Libya from 1969 to 2011. He was seen as Muammar's likely successor before the Arab Spring. He held a PhD from the London School of Economics and positioned himself as a reformer.
During the 2011 uprising, Saif al-Islam sided with his father against protesters. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity. He was captured by rebels in November 2011 but later released by a militia in 2017.
NATO launched Operation Unified Protector in March 2011 to enforce a no-fly zone and protect civilians. The US, UK, and France led the operation. Muammar Gaddafi was killed by rebels in October 2011. The intervention succeeded in removing him but failed to establish stable governance.
Libya remains divided between the Government of National Unity in Tripoli (west) and the Libyan National Army in Tobruk (east). Various militias control different territories. The country has become a major route for migrants trying to reach Europe.
UN Security Council President James Kariuki condemned the killing on Feb. 4, calling it a 'heinous and cowardly terrorist attack.' The UN has tried repeatedly to broker peace agreements but lacks enforcement power.
The 2011 intervention was controversial because President Obama didn't seek congressional authorization for military force. He argued airstrikes fell under his commander-in-chief authority to support NATO operations. Critics said it violated the War Powers Resolution.
🌍Foreign Policy
People, bills, and sources
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi
Son of Muammar Gaddafi, Former de facto Prime Minister
Muammar Gaddafi
Former Libyan Leader (1969-2011)
Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh
Prime Minister of Government of National Unity
Khalifa Haftar
Commander of Libyan National Army
Saddam Haftar
Son and Deputy Commander of LAAF
Mohamed al-Menfi
Chairman of Presidential Council
Hanna Tetteh
UN Special Representative for Libya
James Kariuki
UN Security Council President
Mohammed bin Zayed
President of United Arab Emirates
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
President of Egypt
What you can do
1
civic action
Contact Congress about Libya policy oversight
Demand congressional oversight of U.S. Libya policy after Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's assassination highlights ongoing instability. Congress should review weapons sales to rival factions and support for UN peace efforts.
2
civic action
Support humanitarian aid for Libyan civilians
Donate to organizations providing food, medical care, and shelter to displaced Libyan civilians affected by ongoing civil war and political instability.
3
civic action
Advocate for UN diplomatic solution
Urge UN Security Council to increase diplomatic pressure for Libyan political settlement and elections to prevent further violence and terrorist exploitation.
4
civic action
Monitor U.S. arms sales to Libyan factions
Track and challenge U.S. weapons transfers to Libyan rival factions that may fuel ongoing conflict and human rights abuses.
5
civic action
Support Libyan civil society organizations
Fund grassroots Libyan organizations working for democracy, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution in their fragmented country.