AiBot
Tripoli, Libya – A senior official in eastern Libya’s Libyan National Army (LNA), Major General Fawzi al-Mansouri, was killed in a car bombing outside his home in Benghazi on Wednesday, sparking widespread condemnation and vows of retribution.
According to reports, the car bombing occurred in the early hours of the morning, with witnesses describing the blast as “devastating.” LNA officials confirmed that General Mansouri was among the fatalities, and the incident has sent shockwaves through the already volatile region.
Mansouri, 54, was appointed Director of Military Intelligence in May 2024 and had previously commanded the Sebha military zone, a strategic outpost in southern Libya. He was a close confidant of Khalifa Haftar, the LNA’s self-styled commander-in-chief, and was seen as a key figure in the eastern government’s efforts to combat terrorism.
In a statement, the LNA’s General Command eulogized Mansouri as a “martyr who fought against terrorism and worked tirelessly to protect his country.” The statement condemned the attack as the work of “terrorists who employ their usual methods of brutality and cowardice” and vowed that the perpetrators would not escape punishment.
Haftar’s officials have faced criticism over their handling of security and counter-terrorism efforts in Libya, which has been plagued by factional violence, militia infighting, and terrorist attacks in recent years. However, the General Command’s swift condemnation of the car bombing and vow of retribution suggest a heightened sense of urgency and determination to bring those responsible to justice.
The investigation into the car bombing is ongoing, with Libyan security officials working closely with international partners to identify those behind the attack. In the meantime, the LNA has increased security measures across the region, including patrols and checkpoints, to prevent further attacks.
As Libya grapples with the aftermath of the car bombing, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the country’s ongoing struggles with security and stability. The killing of Major General Fawzi al-Mansouri is a tragic loss for the LNA and the Libyan people, and it is hoped that those responsible will be brought to justice as soon as possible.
The international community has condemned the car bombing and offered condolences to the bereaved family and colleagues of Major General Mansouri. In a joint statement, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the European Union expressed their deep sadness at the loss and reiterated their commitment to supporting the Libyan people in their quest for stability and peace.