Libyan authorities this week uncovered mass graves containing 21 migrants' remains during a security operation targeting human trafficking networks, according to official reports. The grim discovery occurred during a raid on a private agricultural facility near Ajdabiya, where security forces also liberated multiple migrants held in makeshift detention cells.
The Internal Security Agency (ISA) stated that victims – comprising various nationalities – were allegedly killed by a Libyan national with prior criminal convictions. Authorities confirmed the suspect's arrest and are investigating potential connections to broader smuggling operations.
Survivors found at the site showed signs of severe mistreatment, including gunshot wounds and malnutrition. Medical teams transported 14 injured migrants to Martyr Mohammed Al-Muqrif Central Teaching Hospital for emergency care.
This operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering by Libyan security forces, with local media outlets including Al-Wasat reporting the ISA had monitored suspected human trafficking activities at the location prior to intervention.
The discovery highlights ongoing challenges in Mediterranean migration routes, with Libya remaining a key transit point for those attempting to reach European shores. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for international action to protect vulnerable migrant populations in North Africa.
