The Tunisian authorities have decided to keep the Ras Jedir border crossing to Libya closed. Clashes took place at the crossing in the past days and Libyan guerillas were reportedly involved. Only Tunisians can cross the border on their way back from Libya. Libyans are allowed to return to their country only by exception.

In the past months, tensions at the border led to violence.

On February 2, Libyan rebels captured a Tunisian border agent and released him a few hours later. The incident was reportedly caused by the anger of the militia, who want the Libyan authorities to pay their salaries. Talks are in progress between Tunisia and Libya in an attempt to normalise the relations, ANSAmed reported.