Libya to Release Pro-Al Qaeda Terrorists
Charles Johnson
Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 3:53 pm PST • Views: 284
Crazy Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi and his son Seif al-Islam al-Gaddafi are pulling an odd maneuver here, planning to release members of the Al Qaeda-linked “Libyan Islamic Fighting Group” even though they once tried to assassinate the elder Gaddafi: Libya to release ‘pro-al-Qaida’ rebels.
Libyan security forces are preparing to release a group of rebels allegedly allied with al-Qaida, following talks between the group and the Libyan regime.
Discreet talks between members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) and the government were renewed a few weeks ago after a long break, the London-based Al-Hayyat reported.
The Al-Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation (LIFG), an organization headed by the president’s son, Seif Al-Islam Al-Gadaffi, issued a statement on Sunday that talks had begun with LIFG under his direct supervision.
The LIFG was formed in the mid-1995 by Libyans or supporters of Libyans who fought against the Soviets in Afghanistan, whose aim is to overthrow the current Libyan leadership, which they deem un-Islamic, and install an Islamic regime in its place. Abu Leith A-Libbi, a senior member of the LIFG, announced its alignment with al-Qaida in November 2007. However, this alliance was not accepted by everyone in the organization.
The LIFG claimed responsibility for the failed assassination attempt on the life of Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi in 1996.
Experts are questioning the timing of this apparent thaw. “Most things come as a surprise in Libya,” said Oliver Miles, a former British ambassador to Libya, “especially when they come from Seif Al-Islam Gaddafi … who, like his father, specializes in making announcements that take everybody by surprise.”
Frank says: