New Libyan border guards take over key crossing

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — A new force of border guards in Libya deployed Thursday at the key crossing with Tunisia, marking the first time an Interior Ministry force from the transitional government has taken responsibility for a main border post since the ouster of longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi.

Former rebels had been in control of the Libyan side of Ras Ajdir crossing for at least two months. It is the primary crossing between Tunisia and Libya and is on a major trade route to the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

Tunisia had requested that Libya put professional border guards at the crossing. Tunisian authorities closed it for two weeks earlier this month due to repeated confrontations …