TRIPOLI: A Libyan air force colonel was shot dead in the eastern city of Derna, a military spokesman said yesterday, an Islamist stronghold plagued by attacks on security officials.
Violence has worsened in Libya in recent months as the government tries to impose its authority on armed militias that helped overthrow Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Islamists, who were suppressed under Gaddafi, have also come to the fore.
Unidentified assailants shot Colonel Fathi Al Omami on Monday evening after as he visited a shop he owned in Derna.
“He was trying to open the shop. A car was apparently waiting for him and those inside shot him,” said Ali Sheikhi, spokesman for the army chief of staff’s office.
REUTERS
