By Ayman Amzain.
Benghazi, 12 May 2013:
Yet another bomb exploded outside a Benghazi police station today, this time in Gwarsha district. The . . .[restrict]device was small, no one was hurt and the damage limited.
Police station attacks have become all too common in the city. Two days ago, there were bombs attacks on the police stations in downtown Jamal Street and at Ras Abeida, some five minutes away. They, like today’s attack, took place at dawn.
Ten days ago, Birkah police station was bombed for the second time in less than a week.
Exactly who is behind these attacks, and why, remains a mystery. It is not even known if they are linked. Local residents have various theories. One is that drugs gangs are involved. Another is that they are connected to family feuds. Yet others suggest that young, copy-cat pranksters are involved, taking advantage of the fact that there no police around to catch them.
“They are doing this just for fun”, suggested one Gwarsha resident.
Today’s small attack could fit that analysis. However, the attacks on the Birkah station were clearly aimed at totally destroying the premises.
One growing popular view, but wholly unsubstantiated, is that the attacks are the work of policemen themselves, unhappy at having to return to work in present conditions. [/restrict]
