Benghazi, 26 July:
Benghazi residents have been voluntarily surrendering weapons following an appeal from security forces earlier in the month.
Security forces at the Essaigha barracks appealed to young men and families to hand over weapons in their possession in a bid to tighten security in the city. The Libyan National Army are offering compensation for returned arms.
Libya has been overrun with privately-held weapons since the Revolution, when thousands of assault rifles, machine guns and anti-aircraft guns were taken from Qaddafi’s military stockpiles.
This is not the first time Benghazi citizens have taken action against weapons. In April, there was a 300-strong demonstration in the city imploring militia groups to lay down their weapons.