Tunisia-Libya border closed following clashes 

Authorities have temporarily closed the Ras Jdir border crossing between Tunisia and Libya following an outbreak of armed clashes, according to Reuters. 

On the 17th of March, Libya’s Interior Ministry said that it had developed law enforcement to take control of the crossing to “combat smuggling and control security violations in order to maintain security and manage the movement of passengers between Libya and Tunisia”.

Tunisia closed the crossing to preserve the safety of citizens going to Libya. However, people stranded from the Libyan side were allowed to enter before crossing the road, Tunisian Tataouine Radio stated. 

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Video footage has circulated on social media showing a burning vehicle at Ras Jdir, accompanied by the sound of shooting and people running.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement on the 19th saying that “outlaw groups attacked the post in order to create chaos”.

The Tripoli-based ministry responded, saying “This action carried out by these outlaw groups will not be tolerated, and legal measures and the most severe penalties will be taken against those involved”, without giving further details.

Travelers and merchants on either side of the border have been instructed to use the Dehiba-Wazin crossing to the south until the security situation at the Ras Ajdir is calmer.

The clashes are the latest in a long-running series of conflicts in Libya, that broke out after the toppling of dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011. Libya has had little piece as fighting over the years has shut down key infrastructure from oilfields to government buildings, airports and major roads.

Currently, Libya is split between eastern and western factions, as rival administrations govern each area.  

Reuters.