22 September 2012 Last updated at 05:10

In pictures: Benghazi militia bases stormed

Car burns at headquarters of Islamist Ansar al-Sharia militia in Benghazi. 21 Sept 2012

Libyan citizens and military police have overrun several militia bases in the city of Benghazi following a major protest by residents against the power of unofficial armed groups.

Protesters celebrate as headquarters of Ansar al-Sharia burn in Benghazi. 21 Sept 2012

Protesters stormed the base of the powerful Ansar al-Sharia militia, allegedly linked to last week's attack on the US consulate in the city. At least four people died in clashes at another militia base.

Soldiers talk as they check an armed militia base in Benghazi. 21 Sept 2012

Hostility towards the militias has been running high since the attack on the consulate, in which the ambassador and three other Americans died.

The protesters are calling for the disbandment of the militias, many of which helped to topple Col Muammar Gaddafi last year but are now pursuing their own agendas.

Protesters break into headquarters of Ansar al-Sharia burn in Benghazi. 21 Sept 2012

The offices of the Ansar al-Sharia group were ransacked. Fighters at first tried to disperse the crowd but then fled as they were surrounded.

Doctors at Benghazi Medical Centre help a wounded Libyan soldier. 21 Sept 2012

At least 40 people are reported to have been wounded in the clashes.

Protesters chant against armed militias during a march in Benghazi. 21 Sept 2012

Earlier, thousands of Benghazi citizens took to the streets in a show of solidarity against unofficial armed groups in Libya.

Africa

In pictures: Benghazi militia bases stormed

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