Libyan National Army intel chief assassinated in Benghazi car bombing

**BENGHAZI, Libya** — The head of military intelligence for the Libyan National Army (LNA), Fawzi al-Mansouri, was assassinated in a car bombing in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, the army announced on Tuesday.

According to the LNA statement, al-Mansouri was killed on Monday night when an explosive device attached to his car detonated as he was leaving a local mosque.

Khaled Haftar, son of LNA chief Khalifa Haftar, stated that an investigation has been launched, noting that preliminary indicators point to a “despicable terrorist tactic.”

Authorities have not yet identified the perpetrators. However, Khaled’s office later reported that authorities in Benghazi arrested a “terrorist cell in Benghazi that was preparing to carry out acts of sabotage,” though it did not specify whether the cell was connected to the intelligence chief’s assassination.

The LNA released a statement declaring that it would “not cease fighting terrorism and will continue our struggle for the stability and security of Libya, as well as for the unification of its institutions.”

The Tripoli-based government also issued a statement condemning the “terrorist attack” against al-Mansouri, stating it denounced the killing “regardless of one party’s positions or alliances.”

Al-Mansouri’s funeral was held in Benghazi on Tuesday afternoon, attended by senior LNA officials, including Khaled and Saddam Haftar. The LNA praised him as a “heroic martyr.”

Al-Mansouri was a prominent military figure with close ties to the Haftar family. He played a key role in LNA operations against jihadist groups, including the Islamic State group, in eastern Libya between 2014 and 2017, and served as a leading figure during the 2019 offensive to seize Tripoli.

Libya has remained divided since the 2011 ousting of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, with power currently contested between the UN-recognized administration in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and the rival administration in Benghazi, backed by the LNA.

Analysts noted that the attack deals a significant blow to the LNA’s security credentials and its efforts to project stability in areas under its control.

Hamish Kinnear, an analyst with UK-based Verisk Maplecroft, told AFP that the sophistication of the attack and the intelligence required to target a high-profile figure indicate significant capabilities by the perpetrators. Kinnear added that the incident is a setback for a US-mediated plan, publicly backed by the LNA, to unify Libya’s executive powers.

Libya expert Jalel Harchaoui stated that the killing would likely disrupt or delay the US-brokered reunification deal, which relies on the premise of guaranteed security and protection in Benghazi for senior officers loyal to the Haftar leadership.

Article and image source: iraqsun.com