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Libya: Islamist militia bases stormed in Benghazi Libya: Islamist militia bases stormed in Benghazi
(about 1 hour later)
Hundreds of Libyan protesters have stormed the Benghazi headquarters of Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia in a backlash after last week's attack on the US consulate. Hundreds of Libyan protesters have stormed the Benghazi headquarters of Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia in a backlash against last week's attack on the US consulate.
Security forces were also involved and took over several militia bases, evicting many militia fighters. Witnesses say militiamen opened fire as the crowd overran the base, but it is not clear if there are casualties.
The assault follows a day of anti-militia protests in Benghazi, sparked by the storming of the consulate. Buildings and a car were set alight and fighters evicted following a day of anti-militia protests in the city.
Some 30,000 anti-militia protesters had marched in Benghazi earlier on Friday. US Ambassador Chris Stevens and three others died in the 11 September attack.
Militia flags were pulled down and a vehicle was set on fire inside the compound of Ansar al-Sharia's main base, the Reuters news agency reported. Earlier, some 30,000 protesters had marched through the eastern Libyan city calling for an end to the armed groups that have sprung up in the country since last year's ousting of Col Gaddafi.
The Associated Press reported that several thousand supporters of Ansar al-Sharia lined up outside its headquarters, in front of the crowd, waving black and white banners. Several thousand supporters of Ansar al-Sharia lined up outside its headquarters, in front of the crowd, waving black and white banners, AP news agency reported.
Militia control They fired into the air to try to disperse the protesters, but fled with their weapons after the base was surrounded by waves of people shouting "no to militias", the report added.
Many Libyans have expressed outrage at the attack on the US consulate, which killed US Ambassador Chris Stevens. Witnesses said police were also seen inside the base alongside the protesters.
"I don't want to see armed men wearing Afghani-style clothes stopping me in the street to give me orders, I only want to see people in uniform," said university student Omar Mohammed, who took part in the takeover.
An ambulance driver told Reuters that several people had been wounded by gunfire, but this was not confirmed.
Militia power
Many Libyans have expressed outrage at the attack on the US consulate, which killed Ambassador Stevens and three other Americans.
The attack followed a protest triggered by the US-made film that is said to have insulted the Prophet Muhammad.
Libya's interim government has since come under renewed and intense pressure to rein in well-armed extremist militia groups and force them to disband.Libya's interim government has since come under renewed and intense pressure to rein in well-armed extremist militia groups and force them to disband.
Friday's march is the largest seen in Benghazi, considered the heartland of Libya's uprising, since Colonel Gaddafi was deposed last year. Friday's march was the largest seen in Benghazi, considered the heartland of Libya's uprising, since Col Gaddafi was deposed.
Armed militia groups, which have remained in force in many parts of Libya, are a legacy of last year's fighting which helped overthrow Gaddafi. Armed militia groups which helped defeat Gaddafi remain powerful in many parts of the country.
They are better armed and more numerous than Libya's real army, and there have been reports of militias intimidating and carrying out killings against rivals. They are better armed and more numerous than Libya's official army, and there have been reports of militias intimidating and carrying out killings against rivals.
Earlier this week authorities in Libya arrested around 50 people in connection with the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi. Earlier this week authorities in Libya arrested around 50 people in connection with the attack on the US consulate.
Are you in Benghazi? Send us your comments and experiences using form below.Are you in Benghazi? Send us your comments and experiences using form below.
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