Libya's joint chiefs of staff has appointed army officers to head two powerful Islamist militias in the country's east, part of the government's efforts to rein in the armed factions amid popular demands that the groups disband.

The Lana state news agency quotes spokesman Col. Ali al-Sheikhi as saying Monday's move replaces the commanders of the Rafallah Sahati Brigade and the Feb. 17 Brigade, two groups authorities have relied on to provide security in the eastern city of Benghazi.

But public anger erupted over the weekend, and protesters demanding militias disband stormed the headquarters of the Rafallah Sahati and other brigades.

A day later, Libya's president ordered all militias to dissolve or to come under a joint operation command to coordinate between the brigades and the army.