Libya’s government of national unity on Tuesday announced the creation of a new military force to protect government buildings, border posts, vital installations and VIPs, a statement said.

Libya's government of national unity on Tuesday announced the creation of a new military force to protect government buildings, border posts, vital installations and VIPs, a statement said.

It was the first move by the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) to reorganize armed forces in the North African country that has been mired in chaos.

The GNA announced on its Facebook page that the "Presidential Guard" will be Tripoli-based but will include members of the police and army "selected in different regions" of Libya.

It will ensure security at "presidential complexes... and public buildings", as well as providing close protection for members of the government and "notable guests" of the country.

Manpower figures were not given, but the new force's tasks will include protecting "sensitive sites including maritime, air and land borders, the sources and supply of water and electricity power plants".