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Violence in Libya's Benghazi Kills at Least 65


Black smoke rises from the vicinity of the University of Benghazi where clashes are taking place between pro-government forces and Islamist militias in Benghazi, Oct. 18, 2014.
Black smoke rises from the vicinity of the University of Benghazi where clashes are taking place between pro-government forces and Islamist militias in Benghazi, Oct. 18, 2014.

Fierce fighting between Islamist militias and pro-government forces in Benghazi, Libya, has killed at least 65 people during the past several days.

The clashes have displaced thousands of residents in Libya's second-largest city in the eastern part of the country.

The violence comes as Libya marks the third anniversary of the capture and killing of long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi. But the country is in chaos, with Islamist militias initially formed from anti-Gadhafi rebel forces fighting for territory and government forces unable to maintain control.

One faction has seized Tripoli, the Libyan capital, leaving the internationally recognized government to take refuge in the far eastern part of Libya, in Tobruk.

On Saturday, the United States, along with Britain, France, Germany and Italy called for an immediate end to the violence.

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