Libyan protesters confront Benghazi militias Thousands of Libyans enraged by the lawlessness of armed militias and the killing of the popular US ambassador last week, have stormed the compounds of Islamist groups in Benghazi, driving them out of the eastern city. At least four people were killed and many injured during what local media described as a tumultuous night on Friday. It followed a day of protests against Islamist militias by tens of thousands of people demanding an end to the impunity of armed groups that fought against Col Muammer Gaddafi last year and continue to hold sway over the country. The "Friday of Saving Benghazi," as it was called by organisers, appeared to be a continuation of the self-starting spirit of citizenship that spurred thousands into the streets of the eastern Libyan city last year, igniting what eventually became an Nato-backed uprising against the decades-old regime. "The people do not want armed formations,"" said one banner held up during the protests, according to Libya's privately owned Al-Ahrar television. "Benghazi denounces the killing of the US ambassador," said another. Benghazi says no to terrorism. Libya has been plagued with security problems ever since Col Gaddafi's regime was toppled last year. Some of the troubles are the result of longstanding tribal and regional conflicts suppressed by the previous government. But much of the violence and lawlessness can be attributed to self-styled revolutionaries seeking to leverage their role in the revolution for political or financial advantage. Friday night's protest followed a visit by US Deputy secretary of state William Burns and Commander of US forces in Africa Gen Carter Ham, who left the capital, Tripoli, earlier on Friday after meeting with senior Libyan officials. US officials have acknowledged launching drone flights and dispatching investigators to Libya following the September 11 killing of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens, which is being probed as a potential al-Qaeda attack. Local media reported that at least 20 people were wounded in a night of rage against the militias. Among the militias attacked were Ansar al-Sharia, a hardline Islamist group which took part in the unruly protests that preceded the attack on US consulate housing Ambassador Stevens. Also attacked were Rafallah al Sahati and the 17 February Brigade, both ostensibly allied with the nascent government. According to an account by the English-language Libya Herald, militiamen fired warning shots in the air before being chased away. A contingent of Islamist militia guarding a local hospital were also run off. Hospitals have been frequent scenes of trouble involving militiamen, who intimidate doctors and menace patients. Reuters reported that protesters carted off weapons and freed at least four prisoners being held by Ansar al-Sharia. "Say to Ansar al-Sharia, Benghazi will be your inferno," the protesters chanted. Mohamed Magarief, the newly elected president of the 200-seat parliament voted in to office amid international acclaim in July, called on protesters and militias to refrain from violence. "On this day, I ask all those demonstrators in front of the headquarters and the locations of these battalions to let wisdom prevail and, in the interests of the city, withdraw immediately to their homes and to refrain from all forms of violence," he said in a radio address. We must not allow the conditions to be created that might be exploited by the enemies of the revolution.