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By Noora Ibrahim and Moutaz Ahmed.
![Bomb diffused by Saiqa . . .[restrict]experts in Benghazi (Photo: Social media)](http://www.libyaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-19-at-15.57.35-766x1024.png)
Benghazi, 19 May 2014:
A 40kg -50kg bomb was diffused near Benghazi’s Benina Airport yesterday by Saiqa Special forces as violence continued in the city following Friday’s heavy clashes.
A member of the forces’ bomb disposal unit, Abdullah Al-Hassi, told the Libya Herald that his squad had removed and diffused the device which was found underneath a bridge on the airport road in Buatni. The plastic explosives, encased in two large metal boxes, had been discovered by local residents who informed the authorities, he said.
Yesterday there was sporadic fighting on the same road outside the base of Saiqa Brigade’s 21 Battalion when, according to a battalion member, forces from Ansar Al-Sharia had tried to reach and take over to the airport. However, they were quickly forced back. There were no casualties in the fighting.
Many shops have been closed in the city and traffic remained much lighter than usual. The daily routine of killings and attempted assassinations has continued, however.
Medical sources have said that a member of the Special Forces arrived at a Benghazi hospital yesterday in critical condition after receiving gunshot wounds to the head and neck. Another member also from the brigade was pronounced dead on arrival at Jalaa Hospital. Spokesperson for the hospital Fadia Al-Barghathi said that he had not yet been identified.
Member of the newly elected Benghazi Municipal Council Awad Kuwari told this newspaper that a total of 70 were killed in the clashes on Friday and 141 injured as more details emerge of the recent violence.
There has, however, been no statement from forces supporting General Khalifa Hafter or Ansar Al-Sharia, the 17 February Brigade and Libya Shield No. 1 Brigade as to the numbers of their dead. [/restrict]
