Handful of Libyans hand over guns to authorities

But that's a drop in the ocean considering the estimated 200,000 people that bear arms in the country.

The government pleaded for militias to disarm or join a "join command centre" with the military after an attack on the US consulate in Benghazi killed ambassador Chris Stevens.

Citizens turned in all sorts - including anti-aircraft guns, land mines, rocket launchers and even tanks.

Rebel groups obtained huge numbers of weapons last year as they fought to overthrow Muammar Gadaffi.

Nato's bombing of weapons depots ended up flooding the entire region with arms, many of which are now being used by Islamist fighters in Syria and Mali.

The new government has struggled to rein in the militias since the fall of the Gadaffi regime and they have frequently flouted its authority, including by demolishing ancient sites they deem heretical and openly fighting with rival groups.