Libyan-Tunisian border crossing closed

The Ras Igdir crossing on the Libyan-Tunisian border was closed on Monday at dawn by the Tunisian government for security. The closure of the busiest crossing between the two nations which is used for both trade and tourism is not uncommon with previous spats between the two sides resulting in reduced access. Sources within passport control of the crossing reported that entry and exit for citizens is blocked except for humanitarian and emergency cases. The decision was made and consulted on by both sides on Sunday morning following protests and assaults targeting Libyans in Tunisia and Tunisians in Libya. Informants who wished to remain anonymous indicated that efforts are being made by both sides to settle the matter and to open the crossing as soon as possible. The request originated from the Tunisian state which asked for the border to be temporary closed until further notice. Tthe impact of the closure is less than at other periods in the year due to the decrease in people and goods movements during the Holy month of Ramadan.