Libyan army in deadly clashes with Islamist militants
- 11 years ago
Smoke pours out of the base belonging to militant group Ansar al-Sharia.
Angry locals set the base on fire after clashes between Libyan troops and militants in Benghazi.
The Tripoli government said at least nine people were killed and 49 wounded in the clashes.
Benghazi city security officials said fighting broke out when an army special forces unit pursued a suspect into an area where Islamist militant group Ansar al-Sharia operates its checkpoints.
Militant fighter Ibrahim Mohammed:
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ANSAR AL-SHARIA FIGHTER, IBRAHIM MOHAMMED, SAYING:
"This is the second time we have political interference that spurs on the general public when they are all unaware of what's really happening. The government thinks there's a problem, then we have clashes with some people involved who end up dying. It's not the first time this has happened."
Libya's new military faces a challenge from Islamist militants and militias who fought in the uprising
Angry locals set the base on fire after clashes between Libyan troops and militants in Benghazi.
The Tripoli government said at least nine people were killed and 49 wounded in the clashes.
Benghazi city security officials said fighting broke out when an army special forces unit pursued a suspect into an area where Islamist militant group Ansar al-Sharia operates its checkpoints.
Militant fighter Ibrahim Mohammed:
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ANSAR AL-SHARIA FIGHTER, IBRAHIM MOHAMMED, SAYING:
"This is the second time we have political interference that spurs on the general public when they are all unaware of what's really happening. The government thinks there's a problem, then we have clashes with some people involved who end up dying. It's not the first time this has happened."
Libya's new military faces a challenge from Islamist militants and militias who fought in the uprising