The highway that links Tripoli with other western cities has been closed due to security violations.

Following the sharp rise of kidnappings, Janzour local residents decided to shut down the road until state authorities take actions against the gangsters who spread along the highway from Tripoli to Al-Zawiya.

The gangsters, mostly from Wirshiffana region and loyal to the so-called Tribes Army, make fake checkpoints on the highway and rob passers-by and abduct others to demand a ransom.

In the latest record of crimes, three citizens from Al-Qaraboulli city, 60 km to the east of Tripoli, were abducted in Wirshiffana region on Thursday by the highway bandits and a ransom of LYD 20.000 for each was demanded for their release.

Abduction on identity is also high in the region. Last Wednesday, pilgrims from Zuwara and Sabrath had to hire a private plane to fly to Mitiga Airport in Tripoli from where they left to Mecca to perform the annual Hajj season. According to eyewitnesses from Zuwara, driving to Tripoli is very risky nowadays.

A convoy of Gharyan pilgrims was robbed by Wirshiffana bandits in Al-Zahra district in 2013.

In July, Janzour Security Department has already declared the road from Tripoli to Al-Zawiya as unsafe, calling on the passers-by and travelers to Tunisia to take the necessary precautions while driving on the road. 

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