Officer killed in Benghazi drive-by shooting

Three gunmen shoot army major in restive eastern city

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Libyan security officials say a new drive-by shooting in the restive eastern city of Benghazi has killed another military officer.

The officials say three gunmen shot to death Maj. Mohammed Faraj al-Ziwi from the military’s air defense unit in the al-Salam district on Friday. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to talk to media.

A similar drive-by shooting killed a lieutenant in the city’s al-Birkah district on Thursday.

Attacks against Libya’s military and police are particularly common in Benghazi, a stronghold of militias with roots in the rebel brigades that fought against late dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Some of the groups are Islamic hard-liners with al-Qaida links.

Earlier this week, a suicide car bombing at a military checkpoint on the outskirts of Benghazi killed 13 people.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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