By Christopher Stephen - 2012-09-22T01:48:22Z
Fighting broke out in the city of Benghazi as unarmed protesters tried to storm a base held by the Islamist Ansar al-Sharia militia, a group blamed by Libya for involvement in the killing of U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens.
The violence broke out yesterday after protesters had stormed the headquarters of the Ansar al-Sharia brigade in central Benghazi and took control of the base of another militia, the Abu Salem Shahoda (Martyrs) brigade, meeting little resistance. Casualties from the fighting were rushed to city hospitals in private cars and television coverage showed wounded men being brought to hospitals.
“We have to rid Benghazi of the militias,” said 21-year- old manager Hamza Gehani, a protester who helped storm the Abu Salem base. “We need only the army and police, we do not need the militias.”
Tensions in Benghazi have risen since the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. consulate and a second accommodation site that resulted in the deaths of four diplomats. Prime Minister-elect Mustafa Abushagur said Sept. 20 that eight Libyan nationals were arrested in connection with the consulate assault and Ansar al- Shariah was one of the groups thought to be involved.
The Benghazi fighting erupted after a peaceful demonstration by thousands of citizens calling for an end to militia violence. Protesters later marched on militia bases in the city, while police and troops followed the demonstrators.
After fighting broke out, police and army units, who said they were unprepared for the attacks, struggled through traffic jams to get to the base.
To contact the reporter on this story: Christopher Stephen in Benghazi at [email protected]
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Paul Tighe at [email protected]
Fighting broke out in the city of Benghazi as unarmed protesters tried to storm a base held by the Islamist Ansar al-Sharia militia, a group blamed by Libya for involvement in the killing of U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens.
The violence broke out yesterday after protesters had stormed the headquarters of the Ansar al-Sharia brigade in central Benghazi and took control of the base of another militia, the Abu Salem Shahoda (Martyrs) brigade, meeting little resistance. Casualties from the fighting were rushed to city hospitals in private cars and television coverage showed wounded men being brought to hospitals.
“We have to rid Benghazi of the militias,” said 21-year- old manager Hamza Gehani, a protester who helped storm the Abu Salem base. “We need only the army and police, we do not need the militias.”
Tensions in Benghazi have risen since the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. consulate and a second accommodation site that resulted in the deaths of four diplomats. Prime Minister-elect Mustafa Abushagur said Sept. 20 that eight Libyan nationals were arrested in connection with the consulate assault and Ansar al- Shariah was one of the groups thought to be involved.
The Benghazi fighting erupted after a peaceful demonstration by thousands of citizens calling for an end to militia violence. Protesters later marched on militia bases in the city, while police and troops followed the demonstrators.
After fighting broke out, police and army units, who said they were unprepared for the attacks, struggled through traffic jams to get to the base.
To contact the reporter on this story: Christopher Stephen in Benghazi at [email protected]
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Paul Tighe at [email protected]