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Egypt consulate in Libya attacked

CAIRO: Muslim militant gunmen attacked the Egyptian consulate in Benghazi and tried to seize the weapons of its Libyan guards, Egyptian newspapers reported on Saturday.

The newspapers, quoting travellers arriving at the Egyptian border town Salloum, said the gunmen and guards exchanged fire on Friday night but there were no casualties or damage to the building.

Police are combing the area for the militants, the daily Al-Gomhouria said.

Earlier this month, travellers reported clashes between the army and about 400 convicts, thought to be Islamists, who escaped from Benghazi jail. Also, up to five people were reported killed when gunmen went on a rampage through the town last October.-Reuter