NATO says the building struck had been “clearly identified as a command and control center” and it can’t confirm or deny civilian casualties.

Mourners fired assault rifles in the air and vowed revenge during Saturday’s funerals in Tripoli.

One witness said the men were killed Friday in the eastern town of Brega. He said they were among a group of preachers sent by the government to demonstrate that the oil hub was in the regime’s hands.

Government officials have said 11 preachers were killed in their sleep and had been on a peace mission.

The discrepancy in numbers could not immediately be reconciled.