Truckers working in Libya have been warned not to travel further than the eastern city of Tobruk due to the deteriorating security situation in the country.

Egypt’s foreign ministry on Sunday reiterated its call for Egyptian citizens living or working in Libya to exercise utmost caution.

The road from the Egypt-Libya border to Tobruk is just under 140km long, but Egyptian vehicles are often stopped and held by militant groups on the road between Tobruk and Ajdabiya.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Ashiri stressed that the continued travel advisory is necessary due to the current conditions in Libya. He added that it is a “temporary” measure, and urged Egyptians to stay away from “areas of tension and clashes”.

The warning comes as fighting in Libya has intensified with Islamist group Ansar Al-Sharia operating in Tripoli, retired general Khalifa Haftar launching attacks in Benghazi, and the elected government having to meet in Tobruk.

France, Italy, Germany, the UK, and the US released a joint statement on Saturday evening condemning the “crimes” carried out by Ansar al-Sharia “and the violence across Libya including Haftar’s actions in Benghazi. The group statement added: “Libya’s hard fought freedom is at risk if Libyan and international terrorist groups are allowed to use Libya as a safe haven.”

The security situation in Libya has deteriorated over the last few months prompting much concern for the neighbouring countries and the international community.