Clashes between rival factions of the Libyan rebels killed four people today in the opposition stronghold of Benghazi, deepening the worst crisis so far for the movement after its chief military commander was killed, possibly by fighters from his own side. One group of rebels overran the base of another rogue faction suspected of breaking fighters who support Moammar Gadhafi out of an opposition prison, the Rebel Information Minister says.
He adds that the clashes between rebel security forces and members of the al-Nidaa Brigade broke out around 3am on the western outskirts of Benghazi and left four rebels dead and six wounded. The main rebel force took control of al-Nidaa's base after five hours of fighting. The violence comes two days after suspected al-Nidaa members attacked two prisons in Benghazi, facilitating the escape of some 200 to 300 inmates, including mercenaries, pro-Gadhafi fighters, and regime loyalists. Click for more details. (More Libya stories.)