Official: Libyan minister shot dead in Sirte

africatodayonline.blogspot.com -

• Libyan deputy industry minister is killed in Sirte, defense official says


• He was shot dead by gunmen near a market in the port city, says the official


• Sirte was the home of longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi

(CNN) -- Gunmen driving in a car opened fire Saturday night on a Libyan government minister, killing him instantly, a Libyan defense official said.

Deputy Industry Minister Hassan al-Darouei was slain while visiting his hometown of Sirte, a Libyan defense ministry official told CNN on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to speak to the media.

According to the official, unknown men fired on al-Darouei near a market in the Mediterranean city some 450 kilometers (280 miles) southeast of Tripoli.

Al-Darouei's body has since been moved to a morgue, the defense official said.

Sirte was the hometown of longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi.

He was ousted, and killed, after being captured by rebel forces in October 2011 -- just a few months after protests evolved into a full-fledged civil war.

The years since have been marked by some progress as well as persistent instability, including sporadic violence.

CNN's Greg Botelho contributed to this report.