The General Administration for Security Operations in Libya has announced the successful thwarting of a smuggling operation involving 21 irregular migrants on the shores of the Qasr Al-Akhyar region.
According to a statement published on its Facebook page, the administration revealed that the migrants hail from Mali, Gambia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
Authorities arrested the smuggler responsible for the operation and have taken legal actions regarding the incident. The migrants were transferred to the relevant authorities.
This intervention follows another recent effort by the Central Branch of the Law Enforcement Administration under the General Administration for Security Operations, which prevented the smuggling of irregular migrants in a vehicle loaded with furniture in the Abuqurayn area.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
