Attack on Buildings in Benghazi

Islamists were held responsible for an attack that resulted in the death of five soldiers. Saaqa Elite military unit claimed that gun, grenade and explosives were used during the attacks. Benghazi was the focus of the gunmen, mostly security buildings and outposts were targeted, most of which were damaged completely.

This imminent attack made by the gunmen on Saturday killed five military officials. Over the past few months, it was a practice adopted by the attackers using sniper rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and other explosives that were thrown directly on the army camps. Investigations are still in initial phases but still no one took the responsibility of the attacks. Chief of army staff Ali El-Sheikhy said that no one was arrested; however, the army has suffered a lot due to the targeted attacks and assassinations of security officials.

Saaqa, one of the elite military units in Libya, while using a Facebook page said Islamic extremists were responsible for the killings of the military men. Saaqa avoided elaborating the comment and there were no further details given. No details came out for the public except the total number of casualties and the individuals who were involved in attacking.

There were protests against militias in Benghazi; the situation went out of control when the protests were converted into severe clashes in which more than 30 people got killed. The demonstrators were carrying anti-militia slogans. After analyzing the situation military decided to take control of most of the militia bases in the city. Benghazi is still remembered as the birthplace of the former military dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

The attack was pre-planned as there were dozens of gunmen disguised in civilian clothes and had an offensive attack on the base camp of the army and National Security Directorate. Heavy weapons were used to assault the outposts. When the attackers successfully entered the army headquarters, the army was forced to withdraw from the building immediately. Two of the army vehicles were set on fire by the assailants during the exchange of gunfire.

Libyan state TV just before the sunset had a live broadcast in which the chief of staff, Salem Qineydi declared in a statement that the building was burned. Snipers who were placed by the attackers directly targeted Saaqa soldiers killing three of them. This information was placed on to the Facebook page. Most of the soldiers died due to explosions inside the building as hand grenades were thrown on the rooftop by the assailants.

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