The Libyan Stability Support Agency announced in a statement released on Sunday, January 5, 2025, the launch of intensive desert patrols to secure areas along the border with Tunisia.
This measure is part of a comprehensive plan to combat the growing threats of illegal immigration and smuggling, the statement noted, adding that these patrols operate 24/7 with teams trained to handle the geographical and security challenges in the rugged border areas.
On Saturday, Libyan military authorities from the Government of National Unity initiated a large-scale anti-crime military operation in the country’s West Coast Military Zone, starting from the city of Zawiya, located about 45 kilometers west of Tripoli.
Zawiya has recently witnessed violent clashes between armed militias, the last of which was in December, when the country’s main oil refinery was severely damaged.
Libya has been divided into several military zones due to the ongoing instability and conflicts following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. These zones are typically controlled by different factions.
On March 19, 2024, Libya’s Interior Ministry announced the closure of the Ras Jedir border crossing with Tunisia after an attack by a “criminal group.” “Instructions were made to immediately close the border (with Tunisia) after it was attacked by a criminal group aiming to create chaos and disrupt preventive work against transgressions,” the ministry stated.
“The act of this criminal group will not be tolerated. Legal measures and appropriate sanctions will be taken against the perpetrators,” the statement added.
According to local media, clashes erupted between security forces recently tasked with securing the border and a local armed group, with no casualties reported.
The Ras Jedir border crossing, located approximately 170 kilometers west of Libya’s capital, Tripoli, sees thousands of people crossing in both directions daily.
