Libyan leader says at least 10 militias disbanded
NEW YORK (AP) -- Libya's leader says his government has disbanded about 10 militia groups and will continue to take action against Muslim extremists.
President Mohammed el-Megarif said Thursday that the attack on the U.S. Consulate earlier this month that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans was a final straw. He did not say when the militias were disbanded, or how many remain.
Speaking on Thursday in New York, el-Megarif echoed the remarks of his neighbor, Tunisian president Moncef Marzouki, who announced a crackdown on extremists after they attacked the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia.
Both countries face emboldened extremists trying to impose their own, harsh version of Islamic law.
The problem is worse in Libya because many are armed with weapons they used to bring down former ruler Muammar Gadhafi last year.
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