LIBYA’S ANSAR AL SHARIA GROUP CHIEF KILLED

Benghazi, 5 Rabi’ul Akhir 1436/26 January 2015 (MINA) – Libya’s Ansar Al Sharia militant group on Saturday confirmed the death of its leader Mohammad Al Zehawi, after reported he had been mortally wounded in fighting in October.

“We mourn the death of the Emir of Ansar Al Sharia Shaikh Mohammad Al Zehawi,” the group said in a statement, without giving details about the time or circumstances of his death.

Al Zehawi’s fate has been a mystery since the October clashes between pro-government forces and militias in the eastern city of Benghazi in which dozens died, Gulfnews quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Ansar Al Sharia is classified by the United States and the United Nations as a ‘terrorist’ organisation. It has branches in Benghazi, in the eastern city of Derna, and in Sirte, in central Libya.

Al Zehawi “was killed in Benina clashes near the Benghazi airport, southeast of the city,” the militias February 17 Martyrs and Rafallah Al Sahati Brigades said on Facebook on Saturday.

A source at the shura council of Benghazi rebels also confirmed his death to AFP saying “Al Zehawi was killed in the Benina clashes on October 11”.

“He was buried in Sirte (west of the city) after efforts to save his live failed because he had received a direct hit in the chest and was suffering from diabetes,” the source added.

An army officer, who did not wish to be named, said the military learned of Al Zehawi’s death from an “Ansar Al Sharia militant who was made prisoner and who confirmed the news”.

Some reports on websites have also posted pictures allegedly showing Al Zehawi dead and another one purportedly of him in a shroud.

Al Zehawi, who was jailed under the regime of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, took part in the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed the strongman.

He had also fought in Al-Qaida ranks in Afghanistan.

Washington believes the group is responsible for the 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi that killed the ambassador and three other Americans.

In November, the United Nations blacklisted Ansar Al Sharia Benghazi and its sister group, Ansar Al Sharia Derna, over links to Al-Qaida and for running camps for Daesh.(T/P009/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)