The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Tuesday warned Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria of a new desert locust swarm outbreak.

In its latest report, FAO confirmed that desert locust groups have reached western Libya and spread to central Algeria and southern Tunisia, where they have likely begun their spring breeding cycle, taking advantage of February rainfall patterns in the region.

The UN agency emphasized the critical need to intensify surveillance and monitoring operations in affected areas to prevent further escalation. Current infestations include:

• Adult locust groups

• Active swarms

• Primary locations: Southwest Libya, with additional presence in central, northwestern and eastern regions

"This widespread distribution requires immediate response measures," FAO stated, noting the situation indicates potential for rapid expansion across the Maghreb region.