France, Feb. 7 -- Nearly 15 years after the fall of his father, former Libyan leader Muammar Kadhafi, Saif al-Islam was shot dead on Tuesday at his home in the city of Zintan, north-western Libya.

Media reports saidSaif al-Islam, 53, was at home alone when four armed men broke into the residence and opened fire.

He remained, for many Libyan tribes and especially for his own clan, a powerful symbol of a possible Kadhafi comeback.

His assassination is expected to have lasting consequences for Libya's political future. No other member of the clan, experts say, can match his level of popularity or influence.

Son of former Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi shot dead in home

Rival political camps in Libya could also be affected. The loss of a...