The top cop in Benghazi was shot and killed as he stood in front of his home. Police Chief, Faraj al-Deirsy, died from multiple gunshot wounds, say Interior Ministry sources.
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“This happened in front of his house when unknown attackers opened fire and hit him before fleeing,” a police source.
(Reuters) Libya has been hit by persistent instability since the overthrow of Muammer Gaddafi last year. Authorities are still trying to disarm numerous groups, mostly militias who took part in the uprising, who refuse to lay down their weapons.
Wednesday’s incident was one of a number of attacks in Benghazi, where local groups have also staged protests demanding more powers for eastern Libya and objecting to what they say is the central authorities’ neglect of the region.
In September, the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans were killed in an attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.
The uprising against Gaddafi began in Benghazi in February 2011.