The security situation in the Libyan city of Benghazi continues to deteriorate.
In the latest of a series of attacks, gunmen assaulted and burnt the al-Hadek police station on Wednesday (May 15th). Most of the facility's offices were damaged.
The same police station was attacked on three previous occasions. Another five police stations were assaulted in the city since last Friday.
"They attacked the [al-Hadek] police station to free one prisoner accused in a drugs case," said Saad al-Jazoui, an area resident taking part in protecting the police station. "One young man living in the area was killed at 2:00 AM on Wednesday."
The incident was one in a series of attacks following the setting up of the Joint Security Room in Benghazi this week, which aims to restore order in the city.
On Monday afternoon, a massive explosion took place outside al-Jala hospital in Benghazi. Dozens of civilians, including children, were killed or injured.
Initially, the death toll was unclear. But the health ministry later said that it reached a "definitive toll" of three dead and 14 others wounded in the explosion.
The devastating explosion destroyed a restaurant and damaged cars and buildings near the hospital.
The attack spurred widespread protests against violence. Hundreds of youths gathered at the site of the attack on Monday, shouting "Benghazi wake up". Residents condemned the blast as a terrorist attack aimed at destroying their city.
Prime Minister Ali Zidan condemned the attack, "It's a part of a series of attacks targeting Libya, the government, the components of this country and the building of our state", he said, urging people to be patient and to exercise self-control.
Tripoli's Algeria Square was the site of another rally on Monday. Protestors carried placards saying, "Where is the Libyan army?" and "With our souls and blood, we will defend you, Benghazi."
"These incidents only show chaos," said housewife Salma al-Obeidi. "The state must use an iron fist against those abusers."
Rashid al-Kikha said, "There are no more words to say; my eyes weep. The situation in Benghazi doesn't need words but deeds. This is what I have to say to you."
"Without security, there is no life or stability", al-Kikha added.
"These attacks are aimed at embarrassing the government, especially the interior, foreign and defence ministries, and showing them as helpless," 38-year old Benghazi journalist Nozha al-Mansouri said.
The General National Congress suspended its Tuesday session to allow delegates to attend the funerals.
© Magharebia.com 2013
