Al-Qaeda-linked fighter found dead in Libya

Ali bin Taher was thought to be behind a recent spate of kidnappings and killings.

Libya's weak government is struggling to enforce security across the country [AP]

An al-Qaeda-linked fighter thought to have been behind a recent wave of kidnappings and killings in Libya has been found dead, security sources say.

An official said on Tuesday that the body of Ali bin Taher was found on a farm near the rebel stronghold of Derna in eastern Libya. His body was riddled with bullets.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there were no indications as to who was behind the killing. 

Bin Taher was freed from prison after the 2011 uprising that ended Muammar Gaddafi’s rule.

Libya’s weak government has been struggling with many armed groups, who contributed in the war against Gaddafi, and are now vying for more autonomy a bigger share of the country’s wealth.

Source: Al Jazeera, News Agencies