LIBYA- A clash between the Libyan army and an Islamist militia claimed not less than five lives in Benghazi earlier today.

News reaching the desk of CEOAFRICA.com indicated that smokes resulting from continuous gunfire were seen rising in part of the city, while casualties were recorded among both warring parties.

It would be recalled that ten days ago, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan called on all militias to leave the capital, Tripoli, after fatal clashes between militiamen and protesters.

The militias took part in the uprising that led to the fall of Col Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 but have been told by the interim government to disband or join the army by the end of the year.

According to sources, the fight erupted when a civilian was stopped at a checkpoint manned by Ansar al-Sharia because he was carrying a weapon. The man was allegedly beaten, prompting a Special Forces unit to move in.

Over thirty civilians sustained series of injuries from the clash while schools have been closed by the government until calmness return to the region.