TUNIS, March 11 (Reuters) – Tunisia has closed a border
crossing with Libya after a clash with smugglers in which a
Tunisian soldier was killed, state radio and security sources
said on Monday.
The radio said three civilians – two Tunisians and a Libyan
– were also wounded in the confrontation between the army and
armed smugglers near the Dhiba-Wazn border post on Sunday night.
It gave no further details, but security sources said the
crossing, a major trade route, was closed after the clash.
Increased activity by smugglers and Islamist militants near
the border with Libya has kept tension high for months.
Trade with Libya is an important source of jobs for
Tunisians and any prolonged border closure could provoke unrest
in the troubled north African country.
Violent protests took place earlier this year in the city of
Ben Guerdane after the Ras Jedir crossing with Libya was closed
for weeks.
Security is fragile in both countries and border lawlessness
increased after the overthrow of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi and
Tunisia’s Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in popular revolts in 2011.
Smuggling of commodities such as milk, sugar and barley to
Libya has caused shortages and increased prices in Tunisia.
Combating smuggling, unemployment and rising prices will be
among the priorities of Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Ali
Larayedh’s new Islamist-led government, which faces a confidence
vote in the National Constituent Assembly on Tuesday.
(Reporting By Tarek Amara; Editing by Alistair Lyon)
