Libya vows to disband militias after protests
- 12 years ago
Libya vows to disband armed militias after protesters and police stormed the Benghazi headquarters of Islamist militant groups.
One of them, Ansar al-Sharia, is linked to the deadly attack two weeks ago that killed four Americans including the U.S. ambassador to Libya.
On Saturday, National Congress chief Mohammed Magarief said authorities would dissolve rogue militias not under government control.
He also asked residents to do their part by laying down their arms.
Libyans have long criticized officials for failing to secure the country after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, which left a security vacuum filled by militias.
The situation came to a head on Friday, with large demonstrations in the eastern cities of Benghazi and Derna.
In response, the two main Islamist militias in Derna, including Ansar al-Sharia, announced they would disband and withdraw from their five bases.
Both groups said they were dissolving to promote a peaceful transition.
One of them, Ansar al-Sharia, is linked to the deadly attack two weeks ago that killed four Americans including the U.S. ambassador to Libya.
On Saturday, National Congress chief Mohammed Magarief said authorities would dissolve rogue militias not under government control.
He also asked residents to do their part by laying down their arms.
Libyans have long criticized officials for failing to secure the country after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, which left a security vacuum filled by militias.
The situation came to a head on Friday, with large demonstrations in the eastern cities of Benghazi and Derna.
In response, the two main Islamist militias in Derna, including Ansar al-Sharia, announced they would disband and withdraw from their five bases.
Both groups said they were dissolving to promote a peaceful transition.