Libya: Eastern intelligence chief assassinated in car bombing, Khaled Haftar calls it 'terrorist' attack

Fawzi Al-Mansouri, a key military intelligence chief for the Libyan National Army (LNA) based in eastern Libya, was killed in a car bombing. The LNA command announced his death in a late-night statement, denouncing the assassination as a "cowardly and criminal act."

Al-Mansouri was considered one of the most important military figures in the country. His killing highlights the persistent instability and security challenges plaguing Libya, years after the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The nation remains divided, with rival governments and militias vying for power and control.

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This is a cowardly and criminal act.

Khaled Haftar, son of LNA commander Khalifa Haftar, described the attack as a "terrorist" act. The LNA, which controls significant territory in eastern and southern Libya, has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with rival factions, primarily based in the west. The assassination of a senior intelligence official raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and the deep-seated nature of the conflict.

Libya has struggled to achieve lasting peace and stability since Gaddafi's fall. Despite numerous international efforts and political initiatives aimed at unification and elections, the country continues to face fragmentation, with various armed groups holding sway in different regions. The assassination of Al-Mansouri underscores the volatile security environment and the ongoing threats posed by extremist elements and internal power struggles.

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This is a terrorist act.