(CNN) — Thousands of mourners, some carrying coffins above their heads, crowded into the streets of Benghazi, Libya, today as the protests against longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi showed no sign of letting up.
The crowds walked as part of a funeral for several people killed in clashes that began yesterday afternoon between civilians and security forces loyal to Gadhafi, eyewitnesses reported.
Clashes disrupted the funeral processions today as mourners walked toward the city’s main cemetery, witnesses said. The route used by them passes by police headquarters and the Alfadeel Abu-Omar military camp.
One man, who was in the procession, said a uniformed battalion opened fire on the mourners. Some people were killed, he said, but did not give a number.
“The situation is very, very grim at the moment,” he said. “… What we have here can only be described as genocide.”
Obtaining independent confirmation on events in Libya is very difficult. The Libyan government maintains tight control on communications and has not responded to repeated requests from CNN for access to the country. CNN has interviewed numerous witnesses by phone.
The protesters said the violent crackdown by security forces since demonstrations started last week has left them energized.
The reported death toll grew quickly over the weekend, passing 180.
