Anger erupts in Tripoli, as America shifts its stance on the conflict. CGTN's Guy Henderson reports from Benghazi.

They are angry at the violence and they blame Libyan general Khalifa Haftar. Now, these protesters in Tripoli say America is showing support for the wrong side.

NOUR MOHAMED TRIPOLI PROTESTER "The Libyan people are against Trump, and against Haftar. We want civilian rule, freedom, science and culture like the rest of the world."

On Monday, the White House now confirms in a statement, Trump called Haftar to discuss the general's "ongoing counterterrorism efforts"  and to recognize their "shared vision of Libya's transition to a stable, democratic political system." If that lends him legitimacy, the acting U.S. defense secretary insists it is not a green light to push out the internationally recognized government.

PATRICK SHANAHAN ACTING US DEFENSE SECRETARY "A military solution is not what Libya needs. What we've said before, and what I do support is Field Marshal Haftar's support in terms of his role in counterterrorism, but where we need Field Marshall Haftar's support is building democratic stability there in the region."

Haftar won praise back in 2014 and then U.S. military support, as he built a force that pushed out Islamist militias in the east. Then early this year he moved south before setting his sights on the capital. At first, Washington urged him to stop and respect the UN peace process. But then this week - along with Russia - the U.S. blocked a UN Security Council resolution that would have called for a ceasefire. In Benghazi, they're thrilled.

AHMED AL-MESMARI HAFTAR SPOKESMAN "The situation is completely changing on the ground. On Thursday, the international legitimacy was with Serraj, totally. By Friday, international legitimacy started shifting to the LNA - to the Libyan people."

Still, the UN says weapons are flooding in from abroad on both sides. The battle for Tripoli looks set to intensify.

GUY HENDERSON BENGHAZI "Haftar's critics see his Tripoli offensive as a power grab against a UN-backed government. Washington has instead taken him at his word: that he'll push out the militias, and bring democracy to Libya. That would be a break with tradition for this region because what more often happens is that military men take power and then hold onto it - often at great cost. GH, CGTN, Benghazi."