The United States on Wednesday “strongly condemned” the assassination of the security chief in the east Libyan city of Benghazi and called for a full investigation into his killing.
State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said Washington extends “our condolences” to the family of Fraj al-Dersi and “we call for those responsible to be brought to justice.”
Unknown persons in a car opened fire at Dersi in front of his home late Tuesday. He was hit by three bullets and died shortly after being taken to Benghazi medical center, a Libyan official said, asking not to be named.
Dersi was appointed shortly after the September 11 attack on the US consulate in which US ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans died.
He had occupied leading posts under the regime of Moamer Kadhafi, including anti-drugs chief, before joining the revolt against the former dictator when it started in February 2011.
Several recent assassinations in eastern Libya, mostly of police or army officers who served under Kadhafi, have been attributed to radical Islamists.
“We are obviously consulting closely with the Libyan government regarding this matter, but also security matters writ large. And we are looking for a full and transparent investigation,” Toner added.
US condemns killing of Benghazi security chief
