Libyan Protesters Storm Government HQ

Protesters stormed the Benghazi headquarters of Libya's ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) on Saturday while its chairman was in the building. 

People in Benghazi, birthplace of the revolt which forced out former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, have been protesting for weeks to demand the sacking of Gaddafi-era officials.

They want more transparency about how the NTC is spending Libyan assets.

Hundreds of young men, many wounded from the war, rallied outside the NTC's headquarters.

When NTC chairman, Abdul Jalil came out in an attempt to address the crowd, some protesters hurled empty plastic bottles at him, prompting security forces to fire tear gas.

Protesters threw stones and metal bars at the building, breaking its windows, before storming the headquarters.

The attack is a serious blow to the self-appointed but internationally recognized NTC, and underscores growing discontent over the way it is running the country.

Many of those who fought in the nine-month civil war that ended with the capture and killing of Gaddafi in October are unhappy with cash compensations promised by the government, saying they do not cover their basic needs.