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By Libya Herald staff.
Tunis, 27 September 2014:
There are unconfirmed reports that Tunisian security forces have arrested six Syrian members of the . . .[restrict]IS terrorist organisation who were trying to cross into Libya.
According to a Tunisian official at the main border crossing at Ras Jadir, the six were part of a group spotted this morning by a National Guard unit in a restricted desert area some 25 kilometres south of Ben Guerdane. They were caught but others with them managed to escape.
Subsequent interrogations had shown that the six were supporters of the self-proclaimed Islamic State group and that they and their colleagues were on their way to meet with others who were awaiting for them across the border in Libya, the official said. He added that they had managed to enter Tunisia as refugees.
As a result of the incident, the border crossing was temporarily closed while security in the area was stepped up and closer investigations made on those crossing into Libya.
The Tunisian authorities were still searching for the other members of the group, the source said.
A week ago, a Syrian was shot and later died in hospital when he and others with whom he was travelling refused to stop when ordered to do so by the National Guard. They too were in a restricted area and heading towards Libya. [/restrict]
