Libya-Tunisia border crossing closed following clashes | News

Closure comes as Libya says ‘outlaws’ attacked the Ras Jedir border crossing.

Tunisia and Libya have closed a serious border crossing at Ras Jedir because of armed clashes, in accordance with Tunisian state TV and Libyan authorities.

Libya’s inside ministry mentioned in an announcement on Tuesday that “outlaws” had attacked the border, which sees a big circulation of Libyans, usually going to Tunisia for medical remedy, and vehicles with items coming in the wrong way.

“This motion carried out by these outlaw teams won’t be tolerated, and authorized measures and probably the most extreme penalties might be taken in opposition to these concerned,” the Tripoli-based ministry mentioned, with out giving additional particulars.

The border submit within the desert space of Ras Jedir about 170 kilometres (105 miles) from the Libyan capital Tripoli, is the principle crossing level between the 2 North African international locations.

In keeping with native media, armed clashes broke out on Monday evening between armed teams who management Ras Jedir and safety forces despatched by Tripoli.

On Monday, Libyan Inside Minister Imad Trabelsi had directed the ministry’s “legislation enforcement division” to intervene at Ras Jedir to “fight smuggling and safety violations” and facilitate journey.

Unverified footage on social media confirmed a burning car at Ras Jedir and other people operating, in addition to the sound of gunfire.

Tunisia’s Tataouine Radio mentioned late on Monday that Tunisia closed the crossing for the protection of residents going to Libya.

Teams from cities within the border space have for years managed Ras Jedir, benefitting from the profitable parallel border commerce.

Hundreds of Tunisian households within the south additionally make a dwelling from the commerce.

Libya has been mired in insecurity since a 2011 NATO-backed rebellion led to the overthrow of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi, and is cut up between jap and western factions, with rival administrations governing every space.