Libya Seizes ‘Dangerous’ Weapons that Were to Be Smuggled to Egypt

Libyan security agencies announced that they have busted an attempt to smuggle “dangerous” weapons to neighboring Egypt. (AFP file photo)
Libyan security agencies announced that they have busted an attempt to smuggle “dangerous” weapons to neighboring Egypt. (AFP file photo)
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Libya Seizes ‘Dangerous’ Weapons that Were to Be Smuggled to Egypt

Libyan security agencies announced that they have busted an attempt to smuggle “dangerous” weapons to neighboring Egypt. (AFP file photo)
Libyan security agencies announced that they have busted an attempt to smuggle “dangerous” weapons to neighboring Egypt. (AFP file photo)

Libyan security agencies announced that they have busted an attempt to smuggle “dangerous” weapons to neighboring Egypt.

The smuggling operation was to take place through the Jaghbub oasis south of Tobruk city.

Head of security in Tobruk, Sami Idriss said on Saturday the weapons were more sophisticated than the usual kind that have been busted before.

He suspected that the arms are the kind used by terrorist groups, but added that he would leave it to the experts to decide.

Police were tipped off about possible illegal activity in a desert area, prompting a search that led to the discovery of the weapons. The smugglers were also arrested.

Libya and Egypt share a border that stretches over a thousand kilometers.

Since 2013, the Egyptian military has thwarted numerous attempts to smuggle weapons and goods.

International terrorism expert Rida Yaacoub told Asharq All-Awsat that Egypt uses modern technology to secure the border with Libya and deter smuggling operations.

He added that in spite of the success in busting illegal operations by both Egyptian and Libyan authorities, more coordination and intelligence sharing is needed between them.



China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
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China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Morocco on Thursday, according to state media from both countries.
Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and the visit reflected the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, Morocco's MAP said.
The Crown Prince and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met Xi at the airport, where Xi and Hassan had a "cordial conversation", China's state broadcaster CCTV said.
Xi made the visit after being in Brazil for the G20 Summit.
China has stepped up investments in Morocco's infrastructure and rail sector in recent years.
Morocco's geographic location close to Europe, its free trade agreements with key EU and US markets and its existing automotive industry, make it attractive to Chinese electric vehicle battery makers.
In June, Chinese EV battery manufacturer Gotion High Tech picked Morocco to set up Africa's first gigafactory for a total cost of $1.3 billion.