Benghazi in standstill against militia violence
Iran Press TV
Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:25PM GMT
Libyans embark on a protest campaign in Benghazi to condemn deadly clashes between militiamen and the army in the birthplace of the country's 2011 revolution.
Schools, universities, shops, banks and public offices all closed across Benghazi on Tuesday in response to a call by the city council for three days of civil disobedience to protest the violence fueled by Ansar al-Sharia militia.
The army clashed with Ansar al-Sharia gunmen on Monday after one of its patrols came under attack near the headquarters of the former rebels, who had helped topple slain dictator, Muammar Gaddafi.
The Libyan Health Ministry said seven people were killed and some 50 others wounded in the fighting.
On Tuesday, army forces were deployed across the eastern city, where they took control of key roads.
They also took control of the Ansar al-Sharia headquarters in the city of Ajdabiya, south of Benghazi. Late on Monday, residents torched the building, forcing the militiamen to flee before handing the premises to the army.
Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry was reportedly in contact with Ansar al-Sharia leaders, who are seeking a 'safe corridor' for their fighters to leave Benghazi. This is while the army is demanding them to leave behind their heavy weapons.
Since 2011, Benghazi has been the scene of numerous attacks and political assassinations amidst increasing power struggle among rival militias, who refuse to lay down their arms despite efforts by the central government to impose law and order.
Many countries have closed their consulates in Benghazi and some foreign airlines have stopped flying there.
On November 19, Tripoli announced plans to remove militias from the capital and integrate them into the country's security forces.
The decision came after dozens were killed in days of deadly clashes between armed militiamen and people opposing their presence.
MRS/PR
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
