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Libya army in Benghazi clashes with Ansar al-Sharia Libya army in Benghazi clashes with Ansar al-Sharia
(35 minutes later)
At least three people have been killed in clashes between the Libyan army and an Islamist militia in the restive eastern city of Benghazi, reports say. At least five people have been killed in clashes between the Libyan army and an Islamist militia in the restive city of Benghazi, officials say.
Gunfire could be heard from the early hours of the morning and smoke was seen rising in part of the city.Gunfire could be heard from the early hours of the morning and smoke was seen rising in part of the city.
Casualties were reported among both the army and Ansar al-Sharia, an armed Islamist group suspected of killing US ambassador Christopher Stevens in 2012.Casualties were reported among both the army and Ansar al-Sharia, an armed Islamist group suspected of killing US ambassador Christopher Stevens in 2012.
The government has struggled to contain militias in control of parts of Libya.The government has struggled to contain militias in control of parts of Libya.
Ten days ago, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan called on all militias to leave the capital, Tripoli, after fatal clashes between militiamen and protesters.Ten days ago, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan called on all militias to leave the capital, Tripoli, after fatal clashes between militiamen and protesters.
The militias took part in the uprising that led to the fall of Col Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 but have been told by the interim government to disband or join the army by the end of the year.The militias took part in the uprising that led to the fall of Col Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 but have been told by the interim government to disband or join the army by the end of the year.
Reports from Libya's second city early on Monday spoke of explosions and gunfire in the Fwaihat area.Reports from Libya's second city early on Monday spoke of explosions and gunfire in the Fwaihat area.
An army spokesman told AFP news agency the violence had broken out when a special forces patrol had been targeted close to the Ansar al-Sharia headquarters. The fighting erupted after a civilian was stopped at a checkpoint manned by Ansar al-Sharia because he was carrying a weapon, a military source told the BBC. The man was allegedly beaten, prompting a special forces unit to move in.
A hospital source at Jala hospital was quoted by local media as saying three soldiers had been killed and another 10 were wounded. A doctor at Jala hospital told the BBC that five people had been killed and another 30 were wounded. Several civilians were said to be among those hurt.
Heavy but intermittent clashes were reported for several hours in various areas of the city. Heavy but intermittent clashes began at about 02:00 local time (midnight GMT) and were still going on by mid-morning in various areas of the city. "This is the end of Ansar al-Sharia," a military source told the BBC.
Residents were said to be staying at home and schools were closed. The army has been driving around Benghazi urging residents to stay at home. Schools are said to be closed.
Benghazi, one of Libya's least stable areas, was where the uprising of Col Gaddafi began. It was also where the US ambassador and three other Americans were killed in an attack on the US consulate on 11 September 2012. Benghazi, one of Libya's most volatile areas, was where the uprising of Col Gaddafi began. It was also where the US ambassador and three other Americans were killed in an attack on the US consulate on 11 September 2012.
Ansar al-Sharia, which is believed to have links with foreign Islamist groups, has been linked to several attacks in eastern Libya. Ansar al-Sharia, which is believed to have ties with foreign Islamist groups, has been linked to a series of attacks in eastern Libya.
Several Islamist groups have formed from the anti-Gaddafi rebels and they have been blamed for recent murders in nearby Derna. A judge, two traffic police and a tribal chief have died in the port city east of Benghazi in just over a week.Several Islamist groups have formed from the anti-Gaddafi rebels and they have been blamed for recent murders in nearby Derna. A judge, two traffic police and a tribal chief have died in the port city east of Benghazi in just over a week.
Last month, Prime Minister Zeidan was abducted and held for several hours by militiamen in a Tripoli hotel.
After talks in London on Sunday with US Secretary of State John Kerry and UK Foreign Minister William Hague, Mr Zeidan said Libya had done a great deal "to get rid of the militias".
Mr Kerry told reporters that Libya had gone through great turmoil, particularly in recent weeks, but spoke of a moment of opportunity.
"The prime minister informed us of a transformation that he believes is beginning to take place and could take place because the people of Libya have spoken out and pushed back against the militias," he said.