28 Migrant Bodies Discovered in Libya, Illicit Migration…

The Libyan Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the discovery of 28 bodies of presumed irregular migrants near Kufra. Additionally, 76 migrants were freed from forced detention. Investigations are underway involving suspected Coast Guard members linked to illegal transport of migrants. The Libyan Ministry of the Interior has made recent arrests of Egyptian migrants, intensifying efforts to combat irregular migration.

The Libyan Public Prosecutor’s Office reported on Sunday that 28 bodies, suspected to be of irregular migrants, were discovered buried near a detention center located north of Kufra in southeastern Libya. In addition to the grim discovery, authorities also freed 76 migrants who had been held in forced detention. Forensic experts have been consulted to ascertain the causes of death, and testimonies from the rescued migrants are being documented. Three suspects, including two foreigners and one Libyan, are set to be interrogated by investigative authorities.

In a related investigation, the Libyan Public Prosecutor’s Office is pursuing a criminal case against the head of the Coast Guard in Zuwara city. Four Coast Guard members were arrested on allegations that they conspired to facilitate the illegal transportation of migrants across the Mediterranean Sea. According to the prosecutor’s office, evidence has surfaced that the suspects attempted to smuggle 37 migrants while firing at officers from the Criminal Investigations Department who intervened.

Following the apprehension of the four suspects, the investigators determined they would remain in custody while additional security and military personnel linked to the operation are being sought. In accordance with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the rescued migrants are to be relocated to shelter centers until their situations can be resolved. Moreover, the Libyan Ministry of the Interior disclosed that dozens of Egyptian irregular migrants were arrested and subsequently returned to Egypt.

This operation falls in line with the ministry’s ongoing efforts to bolster security measures and combat irregular migration. The ministry indicated that security patrols from the Joint Security Room in the Western Mountains successfully apprehended numerous irregular migrants and seized stolen vehicles during recent operations. In prior instances, Libyan authorities have detained large groups of Egyptians attempting to migrate illegally to Europe.

Egypt has instituted stringent laws to penalize those participating in or facilitating illegal migration and has intensified security protocols along its borders and coastlines to preempt such activities. This collaborative effort underscores the regional commitment to combating human trafficking and irregular migration across North Africa.

The article highlights the disturbing discovery of 28 migrant bodies in Libya, alongside ongoing investigations into human trafficking operations by the Coast Guard. It underscores a broader regional effort to combat illegal migration as Libyan and Egyptian authorities enhance security measures. These developments signal growing international concern regarding the humanitarian crisis surrounding irregular migration.

Original Source: www.jordannews.jo