Libya announced measures Sunday to tighten security in the south of the country and along its southern borders, after charges from its neighbors that the area has become a source of regional instability.

Prime Minister Ali Zeidan told reporters that the government had decided on a two-pronged approach: "Firstly to maintain order in the towns of the south, and then to monitor and control the borders."

Soldiers and thowars, or former rebels who took part in the 2011 revolution that toppled Moammer Gadhafi, will be paid bonuses of up to $1,200 to work in the desert region, he said.

He said police and army salaries would also be reviewed.

Libyan authorities have so far failed to establish a professional police force and national army, raising concerns in neighboring states, especially Chad and Niger .

Experts and Western diplomats believe the rugged south with its long and porous borders has become a refuge for jihadist elements which fled northern Mali after French-African operations launched in January.

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