Libyan Prison Jailbreak: 1,000 Inmates Flee Near Benghazi’s Koyfiya Prison

In this June 8, 2013 image made from video provided by Associated Press Television, various army special forces trucks arrive at the scene after fighting broke out outside the office of the Libya Shield pro-government militia in Benghazi, Libya. The violence which left dozens of people dead broke out Saturday when protesters stormed a base belonging to Libya Shield, a grouping of pro-government militias tasked with maintaining security. (AP Photo/APTV)

More than 1,000 prisoners were freed in a jailbreak near Benghazi, Libya, on Saturday, according to preliminary reports.

The Associated Press, citing local officials, reported that the jailbreak took place at the Koyfiya prison.

There were mass protests across Libya on Saturday, but it is not yet clear if the jailbreak was part of the protests or if they got help.

A security official from Koyfiya told AP that most of the inmates were being held on serious charges.

Last year, U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens was killed Benghazi along with several other Americans.