Tripoli, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Libyan Stability Support Agency has initiated rigorous desert patrols to secure regions along the border with Tunisia.
In a release, the agency indicated that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the escalating threats posed by illegal migration and smuggling.
The statement emphasized that these patrols are conducted around the clock by teams specially trained to tackle the geographical and security challenges prevalent in the rugged border regions.
Additionally, on Saturday, the military authorities of the Libyan Government of National Unity initiated a large-scale anti-crime operation in the West Coast Military Zone, commencing from the city of Zawiya, situated approximately 45 km west of Tripoli.
Zawiya has recently experienced violent confrontations among armed militias, with the most recent incident occurring in December when the nation’s primary oil refinery sustained significant damage.
Libya remains divided into several military zones due to ongoing instability and conflicts since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. These zones are often under the control of various factions, according to Xinhua news agency.
Earlier on March 19, 2024, the Libyan Interior Ministry declared the closure of the Ras Ajdir border crossing with Tunisia following an assault by a 'criminal group'.
"Instructions were issued to promptly close the border (with Tunisia) after it was attacked by a criminal group aiming to instigate chaos and hinder efforts to prevent violations," the ministry stated.
"The actions of this criminal group will not be overlooked. Legal actions and appropriate penalties will be enforced against the offenders," the statement added.
As per local media reports, skirmishes have recently occurred between the security forces assigned to safeguard the border and a local armed faction, although no casualties have been reported.
The Ras Ajdir border crossing, located about 170 km west of Tripoli, sees thousands of people crossing daily.
