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 on 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 the makeshift jail where dozens had -- until an hour before -- been locked up at the fighters' mercy.

Later near midnight, hundreds of citizens -- most young men -- drove to a bigger 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. But by the time it was over, at least 30 were injured and 11 dead.

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

"Very happy. Me and all the citizens in Benghazi are all very happy," said one man. "Very happy."

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

The endgame is to try to talk the militias into joining the Libyan army, which is not easy. The situation is so fraught that the president of the National Congress flew to Benghazi Saturday night to meet with military commanders to try and head off more fighting.

[sueb45]

I wish this was being reported more. These people are true freedom fighters...fighting for democracy after the revolution and calling for violence to cease. I wrote a letter to the Libyan embassy in Washington a couple days after the attack on the embassy to thank them for what they did and I received a lovely reply from the Ambassador. I urge everyone to drop them a note; they need our support!!!!

[smartalecq]

Finally, we now know that the air intervention did not go to waste. I think Libya would be one of our greatest allies in the middle east.

Maybe we should give Syria a second look. Their struggle for freedom, seems to be legitimate. If we don't help them, the extremists will.

[smartalecq]

Thanks you Libya for the gratitude.

We help free them from Ghadaffi. I always knew that the silent majority are grateful to us. But the well armed though few extremists are trying to hijack the political vacuum.

We must help strengthen the Libyan central government, so that the extremist militias do not gain power.

[saber72]

Way to go people of Libya! Good luck to you! Hope you are at the beginning of something free and great!

[CincyJazzy]

Thank you CBS for finally catching up!! This story is days old.

[stevex47]

"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."

Thank you Libya ! Your hope gives me hope for you. You may not know it but we are all in this together.