Benghazi, Libya (BBC): reports of machine-guns, mortars and sub-Saharan mercenaries

[muriel_volestrangler]

Intense violence has been reported in Libya's second city, Benghazi, with troops said to have opened fire again on anti-government protesters.

At least 15 people were killed and many more wounded, unconfirmed reports say.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as snipers opened fire. Some reports spoke of machine-guns and mortar bombs being fired.
...
There were also widespread reports that foreign mercenaries from sub-Saharan Africa - paid by the Libyan government - had been brought in to attack protesters.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12516156

Like Bahrain, where many in the security forces are not native to the country (but from places like Syria and Pakistan - Sunni, as opposed to the majority Shia in Bahrain), it seems that outside troops are being used because, unlike the Egyptian military, they don't have sympathies with the population.

[Moondog]

1. "sub-Saharan" is code

for Black Africans.

[WinkyDink]

3. It could also be geographically accurate.

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Yes, ie non-Arabic

Gaddafi has aligned himself more and more with the African continent, rather than the Arab world, over the past few years.

[WinkyDink]

2. The better to kill you with. And make no mistake: Blackwater thugs WILL shoot at US, if told to.