Libya has immediately and indefinitely banned Palestinians, Sudanese and Syrians from entering the country, because it suspects those citizens of belonging to armed groups operating in the country, Arab News reported.

The report, picked up by the Kuwait news agency Kuna, said that Omar al-Sanki, Libya's interior minister, based the decision on a thorough screening of those nationals.

In addition, the ministry said it would require Maltese nationals to receive security clearances before entering Libya, because of suspicions that some have been providing logistical help to militias in Libya, the report said.