Death toll from clashes between militia and protesters in Libya rises to 27

TRIPOLI, Libya – A health official says the death toll from clashes between protesters and former rebels aligned with the military in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi has risen to 27.

The violence broke out Saturday after protesters stormed a base belonging to Libya Shield, a grouping of pro-government militias tasked with maintaining security. The protesters were demanding that militias leave their camp and submit to the full authority of Libya's security forces. Officials originally reported seven dead.

Mohamed Belied, who is director at the city's al-Jala hospital, said early Sunday that the deaths were caused by gunshots and explosive fragments. He said dozens were wounded, without saying how many casualties were protesters and how many militiamen.