Islamist militants seize special forces base in Benghazi, Libya

Islamist militants seized the largest special forces base in Benghazi, on the heels of an overnight battle that killed 30 people.

Saiqa Special Forces officer Fadel Al-Hassi said soldiers ran from the base after facing heavy shelling, the Los Angeles Times reported. Shortly after, rockets and warplanes were deployed, Mr. Al-Hassi said, the newspaper reported.

Government soldiers are now trying to take back control of the base.

Benghazi has been the rally point for government forces fighting Islamist terrorists affiliated with the Benghazi Shura Council and Islamist Ansar al Sharia, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The U.S. has classified Ansar al Sharia as a terrorist group since the 2012 attack on its consulate in Benghazi that left four Americans dead, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.