Saturday, September 22, 2012

Libyan citizens protest militia groups

(CBS News) BENGHAZI, Libya - The shockwaves from that anti-Islamic video are still reverberating across the Muslim world this weekend. Hundreds of protestors battled with police Saturday in Bangladesh, and thousands marched in Nigeria as well.

But in Libya, a new twist violent protest: attacks on Islamic militia groups. Residents claim the Libyan army has done little to bring to heel. We were in the center of the action Saturday in Benghazi.

The death of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three of his team was the last straw. Benghazi's citizens marched on Friday with the country's air force flying overhead to show support.

Their message to the armed men who refuse to give up their guns: "We've had enough of you."

Anti-militia protests show Libya's frailty
Libyans storm militia in backlash of attack on U.S.

After dark, a hardcore decided to enforce that message. They stormed four bases belonging to the fighter groups, including radical Islamists Ansar al-Sharia, suspected of attacking the U.S. Consulate

Facing popular anger like this, the fighters fled.

We arrived at one base just after the official Libyan army had taken control. They showed us cells where dozens had -- until an hour before -- been locked up, at the mercy of the rough justice.

Later near midnight, hundreds of citizens, most young men, drove to bigger paramilitary base on the edge of town. That's when the looting and shooting started, catching us in the crossfire. It's still not clear who was firing...or why. At least 30 were injured and 11 killed.

By morning, regular Libyan Army soldiers had secured this base too. An apparent triumph for the citizens.

"We are very happy, all the citizens of Benghazi are happy," said one man.

But this may not be victory-- just a ceasefire while the fighters re-group for a comeback.