Egypt’s government has ordered that the border between Egypt and Libya be shut down amid violence in Libya that has left dozens killed. Border protection officers have received orders to not allow Egyptians to travel to Libya or allow Libyans to cross into Egyptian territory. However, Egyptians seeking to return from Libya will be allowed re-entry. The decision follows what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called as a deterioration in the security of Libya. Libya Violence Fierce fighting has spread across Libya, including its capital city of Tripoli and its second city Benghazi, with sounds of explosions and gunfire heard sporadically throughout the day. The violence spread after forces led by Major General Khalifa Haftar announced their intentions to crack down on terrorists and Islamist militants in Tripoli, Benghazi and other cities. The forces have been joined by several Libyan military units who have called their offensive ‘operation of dignity.’ Colonel Wanis Abu Khamda added that “The battle will continue until terrorism is eradicated.” However, the leading government has denounced Haftar’s offensive as an ‘attempt to stage a coup’ and has rallied its forces and militants against Haftar. In a…
