Libyan military intelligence chief assassinated in car bombing

Funeral held for Libya’s military intelligence chief killed in car bombing Senior officials of the Libyan National Army (LNA) gathered in Benghazi on Tuesday for the funeral of Fawzi al-Mansouri, the head of military intelligence who died in a car bombing the previous day. The attack took place as al-Mansouri exited a local mosque, with an explosive device attached to his vehicle detonating shortly afterward. The funeral marked a somber moment for the LNA, which has struggled to maintain security in the eastern regions it controls. The bombing occurred in Benghazi, a city central to the LNA’s operations. Al-Mansouri, a prominent figure in the LNA’s campaigns, had close ties to the Haftar family, particularly to Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the LNA. He played a critical role in the LNA’s military actions against jihadist groups, including the Islamic State, between 2014 and 2017. Additionally, he was involved in the 2019 Russian-backed offensive aimed at capturing Tripoli, which ultimately failed due to resistance from forces loyal to the internationally recognized government in the capital. The attack has intensified security concerns in the eastern part of Libya, where the LNA seeks to establish a stable presence. Analysts suggest that the sophisticated nature of the bombing indicates a level of coordination and planning that poses a challenge to the LNA’s security apparatus. Hamish Kinnear, an expert with Verisk Maplecroft, noted that the attack represents a significant setback for the LNA’s credibility, given the precision required to target such a high-profile individual. Libya has remained politically fragmented since the 2011 uprising that ousted longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. Two competing governments continue to vie for authority: the United Nations-recognized administration in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and a rival administration in Benghazi backed by Khalifa Haftar and the LNA. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation and international mediation, the country remains deeply divided, with no clear path to national unity. The assassination of al-Mansouri occurs amid ongoing efforts to unify Libya’s rival executive branches under a U.S.-brokered initiative. While the LNA has publicly endorsed the plan, analysts caution that the attack could complicate these diplomatic overtures. Kinnear expressed skepticism about the prospects for success, warning that neither side is likely to accept compromises that threaten their core interests. A new cycle of conflict, he suggested, might emerge as tensions escalate. Following the bombing, the LNA reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and pursuing the stability and unification of Libya’s institutions. However, the loss of a senior intelligence official highlights the persistent security vulnerabilities in the eastern regions. The incident also casts doubt on the LNA’s ability to provide the security assurances necessary to sustain public confidence and political cooperation. The LNA has not yet identified the perpetrators of the attack, though Khaled Haftar, one of Khalifa Haftar’s sons, stated that an investigation has begun. He described the attack as a "despicable terrorist tactic," emphasizing its broader implications for regional security. Meanwhile, the Tripoli-based government condemned the killing as a "terrorist attack," expressing solidarity with the LNA while maintaining its stance against violence. Efforts to link the bombing to specific groups or individuals remain inconclusive, leaving the situation open to further developments.