(Reuters) At least 25 people were killed and 70 wounded in clashes in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on Saturday between protesters, eventually backed by government forces, and a militia operating with Defence Ministry approval, a doctor said.
Residents said dozens of protesters, some armed, had massed outside the headquarters of the Libya Shield brigade demanding the disbanding of militias who have yet to lay down their weapons nearly two years after the overthrow of long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
After several hours of fighting, military special forces were brought in to restore order and seized the compound, losing five men in the process, a military source said.
A doctor at central Benghazi’s al-Jalaa hospital said he had counted 25 dead in all and between 70 and 80 wounded.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.