The Libyan Stability Support Agency announced, in a press release published Sunday January 5, 2025, the launch of intensive patrols in the desert to secure areas along the border with Tunisia.
This measure is part of a global plan to combat the growing threats of illegal immigration and smuggling, the statement said, adding that these patrols operate 24 hours a day thanks to teams trained to address geographic and security challenges in rugged border areas.
On Saturday, Libyan military authorities of the Government of National Unity launched a large-scale anti-crime military operation in the military zone on the country’s west coast, starting from the town of Zawiya, located about 45 km east. west of Tripoli.
Zawiya has recently been the scene of violent clashes between armed militias, most recently in December, when the country’s main oil refinery was badly damaged.
Libya is divided into several military zones due to ongoing instability and conflict since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. These zones are generally controlled by different factions.
On March 19, 2024, the Libyan Ministry of the Interior announced the closure of the Ras Jedir border post with Tunisia after an attack by a “criminal group”. “Instructions have been given to immediately close the border (with Tunisia) after’it was attacked by a criminal group which aimed to create chaos and disrupt the work of preventing overruns”the ministry then declared in a press release.
-«L’action of this criminal group will not be tolerated. Legal measures and appropriate sanctions will be applied against the perpetrators”added the press release.
According to local media, clashes broke out between security forces recently tasked with securing the border and a local armed group, without any casualties to be reported.
The Ras Jedir border post, located about 170 km west of the Libyan capital Tripoli, sees thousands of people crossing in both directions every day.
According to Agence Xinhua.
