Tripoli, April 8
Tunisia closed the Ras Jedir border crossing this afternoon, Sunday, following the earlier kidnapping today of five Tunisians. The . . .[restrict]five were allegedly seized by an armed Libyan group near the southeastern Tunisian town of Ben Guerdane.
The seizure prompted a backlash from Tunisians who stopped Libyan vehicles on the main road between Ben Guerdane and Ras Jedir, smashing the windows of some of them.
Tunisia has demanded that the Libyan authorities secure the release of the five and hand over the kidnappers as well.
It is thought that the incident relates to cross-border smuggling. The five Tunisians are said to be actively involved in the business.
The kidnapping is said to have occurred between two and three pm local time.
Tweet
[/restrict]
