Libya’s Stability Support Agency has initiated intensive desert patrols to secure areas along the Libyan-Tunisian border. The agency said in a statement released Saturday evening that the increased patrols are part of a comprehensive plan to combat the rising threats of illegal migration and smuggling.

According to the statement, the patrols are operating around the clock with teams trained to handle the geographical and security challenges presented by the rugged border terrain.

Separately on Saturday, the Libyan military authorities of the Government of National Unity launched a large-scale anti-crime military operation in the country’s West Coast Military Zone. The operation began in the city of Zawiya, located approximately 45 kilometres west of Tripoli.

Zawiya has recently experienced violent clashes between armed militias. The most recent occurred in December, when the country’s main oil refinery was heavily damaged.

Libya has been divided into multiple military zones, a consequence of the ongoing instability and conflicts that have followed the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. These zones are typically controlled by different factions.