East Libya military intelligence chief dies in car bombing incident.
The assassination of Major-General Fawzi al-Mansouri, a key figure in Libya’s military intelligence, underscores the persistent volatility that continues to challenge the nation’s journey towards stability. As the prime minister of the Eastern Libyan government speaks out against this tragic act, the incident serves as a potent reminder of the complex security dynamics that remain in play within Libya, even years after the end of large-scale conflicts.
BENGHAZI, Libya – The head of military intelligence for eastern Libya’s self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) was tragically killed in an assassination that underscores the ongoing instability in the region, according to eastern Libyan officials. Major-General Fawzi al-Mansouri lost his life when an improvised explosive device detonated as he entered his vehicle outside his residence in the Hawari district of Benghazi late Monday evening, as reported by security sources familiar with the incident.
In response to this targeted killing, Osama Saad Hammad, the prime minister of the Eastern Libyan government, condemned the act, describing it as a “treacherous terrorist act” that must not go unanswered. Hammad vowed to rigorously investigate the circumstances surrounding the assassination. “We condemn, in the strongest terms, this treacherous terrorist act,” he asserted in a statement on Tuesday. He emphasized that Libya must maintain a firm stance against violence, stating, “There is no place in Libya for anyone who raises arms against the state, and no cover for anyone who plans, executes, finances, or incites assassination and terrorism crimes.”
Al-Mansouri, who had been appointed to his role in 2024, was regarded as a pivotal figure in the military sphere, tasked with overseeing intelligence operations in Benghazi. His assassination points to the significant security challenges that continue to afflict Libya, where various armed factions and rival administrations still exert considerable influence despite a ceasefire achieved in 2020 that effectively halted large-scale armed conflict.
Since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011 that ousted longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been divided into eastern and western factions, each vying for control. The LNA, under military commander Khalifa Haftar, maintains dominance over much of eastern and southern Libya and operates in alignment with authorities based in Benghazi. Meanwhile, the internationally recognized Government of National Unity is based in Tripoli and governs much of the western part of the country.
The assassination of al-Mansouri not only highlights the immediate threats faced by military and political leaders in the region but also serves as a call to action for all stakeholders involved to work towards a unified and peaceful Libya, ensuring a brighter future for its citizens. #MiddleEastNews #PoliticsNews
