[Libya Herald] The security forces in Benghazi were ordered today to arrest anyone using firearms in the streets or for events such as weddings or other ceremonies.It follows a statement broadcast on TV yesterday by Major-General Wanis Bukhamada, in his capacity as head of the new central operations room, that anyone breaking the law will be severely dealt with.
In his statement he ordered people who had taken over homes belonging to gunnies to leave immediately. So too must those who had taken over state or municipal property.
He also warned that anyone illegally arresting, detaining or kidnapping people while claiming to be part of the armed forces or the security services would be punished. As to the municipal guard, the agricultural police and other security agencies in Benghazi, they would be given full backing and they needed to get back to work.
Several times in his televised speech has said that criminals in the city would not be tolerated and would be punished. The city was going to improve, he said.
His call follows one earlier this month from Field Marshal Khalifa Hafter in which he called on all police in the east of the country to go back to work.
Yesterday, prior to the speech, the operations room launched a number of anti-drugs and anti-liquor raids in Benghazi, netting some 35 alleged dealers. Five were said to be Libyan, the rest from sub-Saharan Africa. Also targeted were unmarked vehicles, new construction sites to see if they had planning permission and abandoned buildings to see if they were being used for illicit activities.
Meanwhile today, Benghazi acting mayor Abdel Rahman Elabbar had a meeting with military and municipal figures to plan for a major cleanup of the city.