Notorious people smuggler shot dead in Libya, officials say

Abd al-Rahman Milad, known as Bija, was suspected of being responsible for the drownings of dozens of people, according to a UN report. Photograph: AP TV

One of the world’s most notorious people smugglers, who abused his position as a high-ranking member of the Libyan coastguard, has been shot dead in Tripoli, officials in Italy and Libya have said.

Abd al-Rahman Milad, known as Bija, was killed as he left the naval academy in Janzour, Tripoli, riding in a vehicle driven by a chauffeur. The car was hit by a barrage of heavy gunfire, Italian intelligence announced.