Libya: Teacher shot dead while jogging
Tripoli: Security for foreign instructors was increased after an
American teacher was shot dead while jogging in Benghazi, amid fears
that the death was not an isolated attack but rather one of an
increasing number of targeted killings by Islamic militants or other
gunmen with a strong presence in the volatile eastern Libyan city.
Ronald Thomas Smith II’s body was found near the residential compound
that housed him and other Benghazi International School teachers in an
upscale neighbourhood. He had been at school in the morning but went
home to change his clothes and go jogging at midday, according to the
school’s director Adel Al Mansouri. The area is also the site of the US
diplomatic mission, where the US ambassador and three other Americans
were killed last year.
The United States, viewed by many Libyans as a protector who led Nato
airstrikes that helped rebels oust dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, has
nonetheless become an enemy to militants who have flourished in the
security vacuum, particularly in eastern Libya.
Five days before Smith’s killing, Al Qaida’s American spokesman Adam
Gadahn called upon Libyans to attack US interests everywhere as revenge
for the abduction by US forces of an Al Qaida suspect off the streets of
Tripoli in October
The school is located nearly 10 kilometres outside the city and has
about 600 students. School officials declined to give a breakdown about
the number of Americans and other foreigners at the school for security
reasons.
Smith, 33, who graduated in 2006 from the University of Texas in Austin
with a master’s degree in chemistry, moved to Benghazi with his wife,
Anita, and young son a year and a half ago. His wife and son had gone
home for Christmas, but he stayed behind to help students with final
exams for the semester.
During his years in Texas, he was active in the Austin Stone Community
Church, fulfilling what friends said was Smith’s strong Christian
beliefs.
Dozens of Egyptian Coptic Christians and others including South
African, Swedish and American nationals have been detained by militias
over accusations of spreading Christianity. In one incident in March, a
Coptic Christian died, reportedly under torture, while held over
accusations of proselytising.
The United States called on Libya to investigate Smith’s death. Libya’s
Foreign Ministry said in statement that it was launching a probe, but
authorities could not be reached for comment about suspects or other
details. The central government holds little sway in Benghazi, which has
an independent streak and is largely ruled by armed groups that sprang
up after fighters refused to give up their arms following the 2011
revolution.
Benghazi, which was the birthplace of the Libyan revolution, has been
struck by series of targeted killings of judges, activists, journalists,
policemen and army officers. The city and the eastern region are hotbed
of Islamic militia groups including Ansar Al Shariah which was blamed
for the attack on US mission.
There has recently been a public backlash against militias throughout
Libya, and they have clashed with armed residents and the security
forces in Benghazi. But there is little sign yet that the government has
the strength to dislodge them.
The United States pledged to train Libyan troops to help strength the
army badly needed to restore security after the country has fell in
hands of out-of-control militias, who originated in the rebel forces
that fought longtime dictator Gadhafi’s forces in eight-month civil war
in 2011.
Al Mansouri said the motive for Thursday’s attack was unclear as the investigation was ongoing.
“We don’t know if the killing was a terrorist attack or attempted
theft,” said Al Mansouri. Al Mansouri also expressed concern the
investigation could be tarnished because of the high number of police
and prosecutors with ties to militia groups that may be to blame.
Al Mansouri said the Benghazi International School has about 30 foreign
teachers, including Americans, Britons and Australians. Six British
teachers had been scheduled to join the school in January, Al Mansouri
said, adding he didn’t know if they still would do so after the attack.
More security guards were sent to the residential compound and teachers
were to be accompanied at all times, Al Mansouri said, although he
insisted the faculty would not be intimidated. “We have a message that
we want to deliver to the next generations,” he said in a telephone
interview.
Abdullah Al Zaidi a former security official of the Joint Operation
Room said that he doesn’t rule out the possibility that it is a
“terrorist attack”.
“Sadly, those trying to send a message to the United States are only
harming Benghazi,” he said, adding, “the teacher was known as a very
nice and generous person who didn’t have any certain biases.” He said
that the day Smith was shot dead was a “bloody day” that witnessed
several others killings like a senior officer and three soldiers in
separate incidents.
Source: http://gulfnews.com/news/region/libya/libya-teacher-shot-dead-while-jogging-1.1264232
Source: http://gulfnews.com/news/region/libya/libya-teacher-shot-dead-while-jogging-1.1264232
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