The leader of Libya's terror group Ansar al-Sharia Mohamed al-Zahawi has died from wounds sustained in fighting with pro-secular militias several months ago, a source close to the group said on Saturday.

Several Islamist armed groups like February 17 Brigade also confirmed his death via their official social media accounts.

Some local media had been speculating on Zahawi's condition for months after he suddenly vanished from public view.

No immediate comment from Ansar al-Sharia could be reached.

Al-Zahawi established Ansar al-Sharia in Libya's second largest city Benghazi and helped with his fighters in ousting Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The group was designated as a "terrorist organization" by the U.S. and the United Nations since its fighters stormed the American Consulate in Benghazi in 2012 which killed the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three others.

The group was also believed to be the mastermind of many kidnappings and assassinations in the eastern part of the North African country.

Ansar al-Sharia, allied with several Islamist armed groups, has been on war with Libya's pro-secular militias since May. At least 1,000 people killed and more than 100,000 people displaced due to the fighting. Endit

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