The commander of so-called Special Forces of Dignity Operation, a.k.a., Saiqa forces, Wanis Boukhamada, has admitted that the security situation in Benghazi is fragile as a result of what he described as “the negative practices that are being used to distort the city”.

According to the parallel Libyan News Agency of eastern government, Boukhamada revealed that groups loyal to the armed forces and security services have been carrying out a campaign of arrests against citizens, mainly during the late night and early hours of the day.

He pointed out that he will deal with those who he described as outlaws and that he will overcome all the security breaches in the city.

Benghazi has been witnessing a spike in the crime rate, as security statistics recorded more than 45 armed robberies in the first week of November alone.

Local residents are also complaining about the widespread random gunfire, which caused several deaths among civilians.