Libya's embassy in Egypt was closed indefinitely from Sunday, the mission said on its Facebook page citing security concerns. "The embassy of Libya in Cairo. suspended its work due to security reasons starting Sunday and until further notice," a statement said without giving further details.

It however flatly denied in a separate statement reports suggesting that some embassy staff had broken ranks with the UN-recognised Government of National Accord based in Tripoli. The GNA's foreign ministry confirmed that the embassy had been closed indefinitely, in a statement on Facebook.

It said the work at the mission was suspended in order to protect staff after a series of recent "violations" targeting the embassy, including attempts by some to "blackmail" employees in order to obtain money.

The foreign ministry gave no further details but said "work is underway with the Egyptian authorities to put an end to these violations and secure the embassy as required". The embassy would resume its operations when it is secured, it added.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2019