By Libya Herald staff.
Benghazi, 30 January 2014:
Clashes have been . . .[restrict]reported in several areas of Benghazi, following the kidnapping this afternoon of the son of the city’s Special Forces Commander, Wanis Bukhamada.
Ali Wanis Bukhamada was snatched outside Benghazi University. A witness told the Libya Herald that when Bukhamada tried to resist the assailants, it appeared that he was injured by a gun shot. He was then forced into a white Toyota vehicle and driven away.
When news of the kidnapping spread, the 17th February Brigade, which has its headquarters near the university, apparently stationed troops on the street outside. Members of the Special Forces are reported to have gone to the headquarters, demanding to be allowed to search the camp for Bukhamada. When they were refused entry, fighting broke out.
Further clashes have been reported in the Gwarsha district, on the western outskirts of Benghazi, where Ansar Al-Sharia has control of a checkpoint. This checkpoint was apparently destroyed this evening by members of the Special Forces, although this has yet to be confirmed.
There are also unconfirmed reports that, when Bukhamada was abducted, a friend was also taken. This friend was apparently then released and was able to inform the Special Forces of the kidnappers’ demands. It is thought that these may involve the release of some prisoners. [/restrict]
