Libyan Interior Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi announced that the Ras Ajdir border crossing would reopen only under full state control. This statement came during a meeting with senior officials of the Interior Ministry on Wednesday.
Al-Trabelsi highlighted the government’s intent to reassert control over the Ras Ajdir border crossing, expressing readiness to use force if needed, pending instructions from higher authorities. He clarified that the issue at the border transcends local or tribal considerations and political interests.
The deployment of police forces to Ras Ajdir aims to address smuggling and other illegal activities, with Al-Trabelsi condemning attacks on police as criminal efforts to undermine security and enable smuggling operations.
He criticized some local reactions to the disruptions at Ras Ajdir and refuted accusations against the Interior Ministry, which has jurisdiction over the area. The minister emphasized the police force’s national role in maintaining law and order throughout Libya.
Following these events, the Tunisian Ministry of Transport confirmed Ras Ajdir’s continued closure after Libya suspended passenger and cargo traffic due to security incidents. The ministry mentioned that operations at the Dhehiba crossing remain normal, indicating a partial continuation of cross-border activities.
The closure by Libya’s Government of National Unity’s Interior Ministry was in response to security breaches attributed to groups causing chaos and obstructing border operations. Plans to secure the border for its reopening have been communicated, with a strict stance against disorder and warnings of legal actions against those involved in the unrest.
