Gunmen shot dead a prominent Libyan journalist in the eastern city of Benghazi on Monday.

Gunmen shot dead a prominent Libyan journalist in the eastern city of Benghazi on Monday, security officials said.

Muftah Bu-Zaid, editor-in-chief of Brnieq, one of Benghazi's most important newspapers, was killed by bullets to the head, stomach and hands while travelling in his car in the morning, a medical source said. There was no claim of responsibility.

Libya has been in a state of armed disorder since the 2011 uprising that ousted former dictator Moammar Gaddafi.

The security situation in Benghazi, the oil-producing state's second city and major port, has worsened since renegade general Khalifa Haftar declared war last week on "terrorists."

Bu-Zaid had only late on Monday given an interview to Libyan channel Al-Ahrar to discuss the political situation and recent appointment of Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq.