Officials recapture scores of Benghazi prisoners after brazen escape

More than 1,100 detainees escaped from a prison near the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi in a massive jailbreak Saturday, as protesters stormed the offices of political parties in the country’s main cities. The incidents highlight the challenges Libya faces as it tries to restore security nearly two years after the ouster of longtime-leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Saturday's jailbreak at the Al-Kuifiya prison was the result of a combination of unrest from inside the facility and external attacks.

"There was a riot inside Al-Kuifiya prison, as well as an attack from outside," an official said Saturday, asking not to be named.

"Special forces called in as reinforcements were given orders not to fire at the prisoners."

Mohammed Sharif, the head of security in Benghazi, said that the prison was up and running by Sunday and that at least 100 prisoners were either recaptured or had turned themselves in.

The prison break came as protesters had amassed across the country angry over the killing of an activist critical of the country's Muslim Brotherhood group.

Hundreds of people gathered in the capital Tripoli after dawn prayers Saturday, denouncing the Friday shooting death of activist and lawyer Abdul-Salam Al-Musmari.

Suleiman El-Dressi, a journalist in Benghazi, told Al Jazeera that according to security sources, "the prisoners exploited the turmoil that was happening in the city and tried to escape."

"Three were shot dead, and the others managed to get away."

Several were recaptured shortly after the breakout, before scores more were apprehended Sunday.

Prime Minister Ali Zeidan confirmed the incident without giving the number of fugitives.

"Residents of the area carried out the attack because they don't want the prison near their homes," he said, adding that border posts had been alerted and given a list of names to apprehend the escapees.

Benghazi's security situation is among the most precarious in post-revolution Libya, and the country remains mired in crime and a lack of central authority.

Benghazi's wave of violence since last year has included numerous attacks on security forces as well as foreign targets, including the assault on the U.S. mission last September in which U.S. ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans were killed.

Al Jazeera and wire services