BENGHAZI, Libya — An Islamist militia behind prior attacks in Libya is thought to be responsible for the execution-style shootings of seven Egyptian Christians found Feb. 24 east of Benghazi.
The militia, Ansar al-Sharia, has offered a reward to Benghazi residents who help them round up the rest of the Libyan capital’s Christians, according to human rights groups.
Security officials found the bodies of seven Coptic Christians east of Benghazi. The seven men had been shot in the head “execution style,” according to local security officials. Neighbors said gunmen had come to the men’s apartment building in Garoutha, a suburb in Benghazi, Feb. 23 and asked who was Christian, according to Egyptian human rights groups.
The gunmen then abducted them at gunpoint, forced the Coptic Christians into a car and drove off, according to human rights groups. The men were not seen alive again.
According to Nations Without Borders, the militia members also spray-painted a message on the Christians’ apartment building and other buildings in the area, promising $7,880 for anyone who turns a Christian over to the militants.
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