Ras Ajdir Border Crossing with Tunisia Closed Following Sabratah Clashes
Category: Instability
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/18/2017 (Libya) - Media reports indicate that the Ras Ajdir border crossing with Tunisia was closed on Sunday, 17 September, following clashes, which broke out in Sabratah. At least three and as many as five people are reported to have been killed in the clashes on Sunday between militia forces linked to a prominent smuggler and others aligned with the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. The clashes reportedly went on throughout the day and involved the use of heavy weapons. Violence reportedly broke out when a group of militia fighters attacked a checkpoint on the outskirts of the town, around 60km (37 miles) west of Tripoli. However, local sources suggested that the clashes may have arisen due to a dispute over smuggling revenue in the town which has become a hub for people smugglers in recent years. Tunisia has closed the Ras Ajdir border crossing on several occasions due to violence and instability in Libya but it is currently unclear when the crossing will be reopened following the latest clashes.
Those in the Zawiya district are advised to avoid the Sabratah area in the immediate to medium term due to the risk of further violence and unrest. Travellers should monitor local media and liaise with in-country sources for further updates on the security situation in the town and other threats to their operations in the area. Travellers should reconsider all non-essential movement outside of secure compounds in Libya given the current instability and conflict situation and remain vigilant at all times. Security and contingency measures should be continually reviewed and updated so as to remain commensurate to local threat environment.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
Related
News Alerts and Safety Profiles are provided strictly for informational purposes and contain the best available data at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information in this report has not been independently verified and HTH Worldwide therefore accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies in such information and any such liability is expressly denied, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made. Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.