The assassination of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi on February 3 in Zintan signifies a crucial turning point in Libya's long-standing crisis, which began with the NATO intervention in 2011. For years, Saif issued warnings about the potential for widespread violence in Libya, predictions dismissed by Western powers as mere rhetoric. His death marks a bloody conclusion to a failed state-building effort and highlights the ongoing chaos that has ensued since the fall of his father's regime.

Despite being sidelined by the international community and often seen as a relic of the past, Saif al-Islam remained a vital figure for his supporters, known as the 'Greens'. This group has maintained a socio-political movement rooted in loyalty to Muammar Gaddafi and the Jamahiriya state, demonstrated by their use of the solid green flag. Saif's role was pivotal in uniting this constituency, particularly as he served as a mediator for many in Libya’s southern regions, where his influence played a significant part in the tenuous local stability, now deeply threatened by his death.

The implications of Saif's assassination extend beyond immediate violence; they signal a potential unraveling of any fragile order remaining in Libya. The power vacuum may lead to further conflict and destabilization, especially among factions vying to fill the void left by Saif as a leader for the 'Greens'. In the broader context, this incident is likely to provoke renewed discussions regarding the international community's role in Libya, reflecting on the disastrous outcomes of intervening in complex socio-political landscapes without sustainable resolutions in place.