Many residents shouted “Where is the army?”
Militias wreak havoc in Benghazi, exchange heavy fire in densely populated area
At least four people were killed and two others seriously wounded after fierce clashes using light and medium weapons broke out in Al-Majuri neighborhood of Benghazi on Wednesday night.
The clashes are reported to have started as a result of a dispute between two local tribes; Al-Barasi family and Al-Msallaty family.
Local reports said a son of Al-Barasi family is a member of Al-Saiqa Force, while a son from Al-Msallaty family is a member of the infamous Sahawat fighters; both are rogue militias under Khalifa Haftar’s self-styled army (LNA).
Gunfire was heard in many parts of the city. Eyewitnesses confirmed that militiamen from Al-Saiqa joined the tribal fighting to support their colleague, while the Sahawat fighters from the neighboring districts were called in to defend their Al-Msallaty droog.
“Four houses for Al-Msallaty family were burned down by Saiqa Force,” the eyewitnesses said.
The fighting caused panic among residents of Al-Majuri neighborhood, while many shouted “Where is the army?”