Libyan army clashes with Islamist militants, nine killed

Residents hide near a burning car during clashes between members of Islamist militant group Ansar al-Sharia and a Libyan army special forces unit in the Ras Obeida area in Benghazi November 25, 2013. REUTERS-Esam Omran Al-Fetori

Gunmen Surround Libya Foreign Ministry

Vehicles, mounted with anti-aircraft guns are parked outside the foreign ministry that has been surrounded by gunmen demanding it be “cleansed of agents” and ambassadors of ousted dictator Moammar Gadhafi on April 28, 2013 in the Libyan capital Tripoli. (Mahmud Turkia/AFP/Getty Images)

By Associated Press | April 28, 2013

TRIPOLI, Libya  — A Libyan military official says about 200 armed men are surrounding the Foreign Ministry building in Tripoli, demanding the ministry to reform and hire former fighters who helped overthrow former dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

Esam al-Naas said 38 trucks, some mounted with machineguns, had surrounded the ministry on Sunday. The men allege that many supporters of the old regime are still occupying senior positions in the ministry and its missions abroad.

He said negotiations with the protesters are underway and that no one has entered the ministry building.

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