30,000 Pro-America Libyan Demonstrators Ransack Islamist Compound in Benghazi
An amazing story from Libya today, where pro-America protesters staged a huge demonstration, and stormed and ransacked the base of the main radical Islamist militia: Libyan Demonstrators Wreck Militia Compound in Benghazi.
Hundreds of Libyan protesters forced members of the main Salafist militia out of their base in the second city of Benghazi Friday, setting fire to and wrecking the military compound.
The assault came as an estimated 30,000 people rallied against the influence of the militias in the city, drowning out a protest by radical Salafists angry over a film and cartoons deemed offensive to Islam.
“No to armed formations” and “Yes to the Libya army” read banners raised by protesters gathered at the city’s Tibesti Hotel before marching to Al-Kish Square, close to the barracks of several militia brigades.
“Our law is God’s law, not the law of the jungle,” women chanted.
Banners also paid tribute to U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens, who was killed along with three Americans on September 11 in what the White House now calls a terrorist attack on the U.S. mission in Benghazi.
“Libya lost a friend” and “We want justice for Stevens,” signs read.
And from Twitter:
Pic from Islamist HQ Ansar Al Sharia after youth of #Benghazi entered it: twitter.com/MAHMOODBOMATAR… (v @mahmoodbomatary) @akhbar #SaveBenghazi
— Jenan Moussa (@jenanmoussa) September 21, 2012