Libya Dawn sources have confirmed that Salah Al-Maskhut, a revolutionary fighter from Zuwara, is well and alive, denying rumors of his death in a shootout in Tripoli on Friday. The rumors were also denied by his family.

Pro-Dignity Operation media outlets spread rumors on social media claiming that Al-Maskhut was killed along with his eight bodyguards in Tripoli. The rumor went viral and was quickly picked by other Dignity newspapers and some Italian news sources.

According to the rumors, Al-Maskhut was described as one of the most dangerous human traffickers, which was totally refuted by his family, confirming that he has nothing to do with human smuggling.

Other Dignity media sources added a scenario to the rumors claiming that an Italian Special Force was behind his murder. The claim was denied by the Italian government.

Zuwara, a city some 160 km to the west of Tripoli, is well known as a hub for human smugglers.

Last month, more than 100 bodies of migrants washed up on the shore after their boat sank off Zuwara coast.

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