Eyewitnesses reported a significant military buildup in Western Libya today as tentions over the Ras Ajdir border crossing heighten.
Convoys and armored vehicles associated with Brigade 111 Majhoul and Battalion 166 were observed mobilising today, signalling preparations have been made for a forceful takeover of the strategic border crossing with Tunisia.
Ghanewa Al-Kakli’s Stability Support Apparatus has been seen mobilising in Tripoli as well, indicating their intent to assert control over the Ras Ajdir crossing, according to reports from Libya Press. These convoys, along with Battalion 166, were seen mobilizing towards Ras Ajdir and Sabratha, respectively.
This is happening in accordance to Acting Interior Minister Imad Al-Tarabulusi’s decision to establish a joint security room in collaboration with the Chief of Staff and the Office of the Attorney General, to take control over the border crossing that was seized by armed groups from Zwara recently.
Amid these developments, Acting Interior Minister Imad Al-Tarabulusi issued directives to Salah Al-Din Al-Namroush, urging a swift and forceful seizure of the crossing. Al-Namroush, in turn, instructed several brigades and battalions to prepare a battalion each, fully equipped and ready to act upon orders without delay.
The escalating tensions highlight the fragile security situation in the region, with stakeholders maneuvering to assert control. The international community closely monitors these events, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation and instability.
Head of the Tunisian Human Rights Observatory, Mustafa Abdul Kabir, commended Tunisian authorities for their management of the situation following the closure of the Ras Ajdir crossing by Libya. Abdul Kabir emphasized Tunisia’s restrained approach, focusing on coordination with Libya rather than imposing extraordinary measures, ensuring the crossing remains accessible for Tunisians and humanitarian cases needing to exit Libya.
Abdul Kabir also highlighted Tunisia’s potential to mediate between conflicting Libyan parties, noting the crossing’s economic importance for both countries. Meanwhile, Libyan Interior Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi declared that the Ras Ajdir border will only reopen under full state authority, indicating the government’s determination to reestablish control and readiness to use force if necessary.
