The Libyan government has closed its borders with its southern neighbours, over fears of an influx of illegal immigrants and goods.
A parliamentary decree declared that the southern regions of Ghadames, Ghat, Obari, Al-Shati, Sebha, Murzuq and Kufra would be "considered as closed military zones to be ruled under emergency law".
Since the overthrow of Colonel Gaddafi, the country’s southern regions have suffered from lawlessness.
Suad Ganur, a member of parliament, said to the AFP that there was an "upsurge in violence and drug trafficking, and the presence of armed groups that act with complete impunity".
The EU had recently offered to train Libyans to help tighten their southern borders.
