General Younes of the Libyan rebel forces was killed yesterday along with two of his aides by armed gunman. The impact on the rebellion should not be underestimated. Younes was a key leader and his loss will be a bitter blow to those hoping for a speedy resolution to the developing stalemate in Libya.
General Younes was the interior minister in Gaddafi's regime and played a key role in Gaddafi's original rebellion against King Idris but switched sides when the rebellion began. His death has sparked criticisms of the rebel movement and fears it could soon fragment, giving the colonel the upper hand. Reports state that the leader of the gunmen has since been caught.
The international fallout of this is that criticism has been levvied at NATO for so openly supporting the rebels who seem incapable of forcing Gaddafi out of their country. Most notably to Britain who recognised the rebels as the representatives of the Libyan people this week.
The murder itself sounds fishy at best. A group of gunman attack the general whilst he's being recalled from the front? It sounds like a set-up and the possibility of Gaddafi loyalist involvement should not be overlooked. Another explanation could be a set up by one of the dissatisfied rebel groups but sabotaging themselves when Younes hasn't put a foot wrong (except being unable to galvanise the rebels out of a stalemate) seems a little over-zealous on their part.
Hopefully the rebels can find a new leader to lead them to success against Gaddafi loyalists but for now, the stalemate looks set to continue.
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