Benghazi, Libya: Six soldiers were killed in clashes between Libyan special forces and armed protesters outside a special forces' base in the eastern city of Benghazi, an military official said on Saturday.
Residents in the area said heavy gunfire and explosions were heard during the fighting and hours earlier a group of men had forced their way into a different army compound to steal weapons.
"The clashes lasted from 2:00 a.m. (0000 GMT) until 6:00 a.m. but are over now," Colonel Mohammed Sharif, of the special forces in Benghazi, told Reuters.
It was not immediately clear who the protesters were and if any had been killed.
Last week at least 31 people were killed and 100 injured in clashes between armed protesters, eventually backed by special forces, and a militia in the city.
The protesters had been demanding the disbanding of militias, and clashed with members of the Libya Shield brigade, which fought to oust former leader Moammar Gaddafi and now says it is aligned with the defence ministry.
Residents in the area said heavy gunfire and explosions were heard during the fighting and hours earlier a group of men had forced their way into a different army compound to steal weapons.
"The clashes lasted from 2:00 a.m. (0000 GMT) until 6:00 a.m. but are over now," Colonel Mohammed Sharif, of the special forces in Benghazi, told Reuters.
Last week at least 31 people were killed and 100 injured in clashes between armed protesters, eventually backed by special forces, and a militia in the city.
Advertisement
© Thomson Reuters 2013
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Libya PM's Homes Targeted With RPGs, No Casualties Reported Over 60 Migrants Feared Dead Off Libya Coast After Boat Sinks "Worse Than War": Trauma Of Libya Flood Haunts Survivors Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms Trainee IAS Summoned By Pune Cops Over Harassment Claims Against Collector West Bengal Forms Seven-Member Panel To Review New Criminal Laws US Military Declares End Of Troubled Gaza Aid Pier Mission What Is PM SHRI? Which States Resisted Centres Showcase Schools Scheme Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.