A Tunisian soldier was killed on Sunday night during a clash with armed smugglers near the border crossing between Dahiba [Dehiba, Dhiba] and Wazin [Wazen, Wazn, Wazzen, Wazzin] (pictured), and Tunisia has closed the boarder crossing with Libya as a result of the incident. According to Reuters, two Tunisians and a Libyan - all civilians - where also wounded during the confrontation.
Tension has been high for months near the border due to increased activity by militants and smugglers in the area. The closed crossing is an important trade route in the region. A prolonged closing of the border could have an cause problems in Tunisia since many Tunisian jobs are tied to trade with Libya.
The Ras Jedir crossing with Libya was closed for several weeks earlier this year, which ignited violent protests in the Tunisian city of Ben Guerdane.
(Source: Reuters)
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