Libyans fleeing violence to Tunisia raise security fears

Thousands of Libyans fleeing the violence and chaos of their country descended upon Tunisia's Ras Ajdir border crossing over the past few days.

Local sources in Ras Ajdir said on Wednesday that over 8000 Libyans had attempted to cross into Tunisia, with waiting times at the border reaching up to six hours due to the strict security checks conducted by Tunisian authorities.

While many Libyan families said they were visiting to spend the holidays in Tunisia, observers believe that the influx is in part due to the instability in Libya and many people's fear that a western military intervention against the Islamic State group is looming.

However, the large number of Libyan arrivals on Tunisia's borders has many Tunisians fearing that terrorist groups based in Libya might infiltrate the large number of visitors.

Tunisian MP Hicham Hassani told The New Arab that the border with Libya should be closed given the increased terrorist threat.

Terrorists might take advantage of this flow of people to infiltrate the ranks of civilians and enter Tunisia - Tunisian MP Hicham Hassani

"Terrorists might take advantage of this flow of people to infiltrate the ranks of civilians and enter Tunisia," said Hassani.

Hassani said it was illogical to leave the border with Libya open while the country is under a state of emergency, adding that another terrorist attack would be catastrophic for Tunisia.

Tunisia closed its border with Libya for two week in November after a deadly terrorist attack in the capital killed 12 presidential guard members.

The MP called on the government to set age restrictions on new arrivals, suggesting the state not admit anyone under the age of 40.

However, rights activist Mustafa Abdul Kabir said the large numbers of Libyan visitors was normal for this time of year, which coincides with school holidays and Libya's current security situation.

"Many families fear for their children due to the instability in Libya," said Abdul Kabir.

"Additionally, there is a real lack in essential supplies in Libya, which is why many families come to Tunisia to restock on supplies and spend their holidays in the country's relative stability."

Abdul Kabir also mentioned that international statements about a possible military intervention against IS in Libya have left many Libyans fearing the worst and attempting to flee the war before it occurs.