Libya shuts down regional borders

Libya’s Prime Minister Ali Zeidan has announced that his country will close all border crossings with Tunisia and Egypt, amid fears of an outbreak of violence commemorating the country’s February 17 Revolution. The Prime Minister described the move as “preventative,” aiming to halt armed militias from carrying out violence. Libyan security forces and pro-government militias have established checkpoints on main roads across the country, tightening security measures in major cities such as Tripoli and Benghazi. “The Libyan government is keen to protect the gains of the revolution,” Zeidan said, adding that security threats were an “exaggeration.” Many Libyans have criticised the Libyan government for its perceived inaction in dealing with armed militias in the country, following a series of attacks and kidnappings in recent months. Libya will celebrate two years since the start of the February 17 Revolution, which ended 40 years of rule by former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.