The Spokesman for the Ministry of Interior in Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Munim Al-Arabi, announced plans to crack down on fuel, human, and drug smuggling at the Libyan-Tunisian borders.
In a statement, Al-Arabi affirmed that the ministry would unveil the social cover of smugglers at the borders, coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office to establish the rule of law.
He emphasised that the Ras Jedir border crossing, and the Al-Assa border area shared with Tunisia are fully operated under the supervision of the Port Security Directorate and the Border Guard Service of the Ministry of the Interior.
Al-Arabi highlighted that all technical, service, and security aspects on the Libyan side are prepared to reopen the Ghadamis-Dabdab border crossing, with Algeria.
On Thursday, Libya’s Presidential Council members, Abdullah Al-Lafi and Mousa Al-Koni, hosted a high-level security meeting aimed at fortifying the nation’s borders with Tunisia and Algeria.
The meeting was also attended by key figures such as Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, the Chief of the Libyan Army’s General Staff, the Head of General Intelligence, and the Head of Internal Security.
During the talks, the attendees discussed ways of reinforcing the security and military posture, along the critical border regions. A step seen as vital to the nation’s stability and regional relations.
Libya, emerging from a decade of conflict and political instability following the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, faces significant challenges in securing its vast and porous borders.
Earlier this month, Tunisia and Libya jointly announced plans to install surveillance towers along their shared border, to curb smuggling operations and combat organized crime.
Tunisian Interior Minister, Kamel El-Faqi and his Libyan counterpart Emad Al-Tarabulsi disclosed this initiative at a joint press conference held at the Ras Jedir border crossing.
Both interior ministers emphasised their collaborative readiness to enhance the capabilities of monitoring systems for border control. This joint effort aims to address various issues related to smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trade.
Al-Tarabulsi revealed the full takeover of the Libyan Ras Jedir border crossing by his ministry. His ministry is currently working on its technological, technical, and human development.