The South African government has again raised deep concern about the deteriorating political and humanitarian situation in warring Libya.

Citing the UN High Commission for Refugees, cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said on Thursday that about 2000 people were crossing the Libyan border to neighbouring nations while thousands of migrant workers remain trapped inside conflict zones.

Manyi, addressing journalists following an ordinary cabinet meeting, said government was also concerned about the increased proliferation of arms in that region. Some reports have said that the US was supplying arms to those fighting against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.