Libyan authorities confiscated a large quantity of fuel found in vehicles traveling to Tunisia through the Ras Ajdir border crossing on Saturday. According to “Al-Marsad” newspaper, Libyan authorities successfully seized smuggled fuel heading to Tunisia as part of a security campaign to prevent the smuggling of Libyan oil out of the country.
The newspaper noted that this campaign follows a decision by the Libyan Ministry of Interior to prohibit all travelers from transporting smuggled fuel when traveling from Libya to Tunisia, urging them to limit themselves to their vehicle’s fuel tank.
In the same context, Libyan authorities also seized foodstuffs, subsidized goods, electrical appliances, and an amount of money exceeding the permitted limit for leaving the country, according to a statement from the Law Enforcement Administration of the General Directorate of Security Operations under the Libyan Ministry of Interior.
Last Monday, the Ras Ajdir border crossing between Tunisia and Libya, which is a vital economic artery for southern Tunisia and western Libya, was reopened after several delays. Sputnik’s correspondent in Tunisia reported that the border crossing activity between Tunisia and Libya would include passenger movement, with commercial movement postponed to a later date as per a Libyan decision.
Recently, there have been tough negotiations between the Libyan authorities and the Zuwara City Council after road closures leading to the crossing delayed its reopening due to disputes over local demands.
According to Sputnik’s correspondent, a Tunisian official delegation led by Tunisian Interior Minister Khaled Nouri attended the reopening ceremony. The reopening of the Ras Ajdir border crossing was postponed three consecutive times due to tensions in the surrounding areas. Additionally, two days ago, the Libyan city of Zuwara experienced military skirmishes at its eastern entrance following the entry of an external military force.
