Islamist militia forced out of Benghazi base

An Islamist militia has been swept out of the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi. At least one person was killed and 20 wounded as fighters at the Ansar al-Sharia base tried to repel demonstrators.

The group has been linked to the recent deadly attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi. It denies involvement.

“A group demanded that the compound be handed over to the Libyan army. We have struggled to get in and now we are taking over this place,” said Naji, an army General.

The action against Ansar al-Sharia followed a mass public demonstration against militia units. It appeared to be part of a coordinated sweep of militia headquarters by police, government troops and activists.

Chanting “Libya, Libya,” hundreds of demonstrators entered the group’s Benghazi base – a compound where forces of former leader Muammar Gaddafi were once located.

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