The Libyan Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency in Tobruk has announced the deportation of 127 illegal migrants from various nationalities as part of an ongoing security campaign.
According to a statement issued by the agency’s Security Media Office, the deportations were carried out under the directives of the agency’s head, Major General Salah Mahmoud Al-Khafifi, and the direct supervision of the Tobruk branch chief, Major General Ibrahim Larbid. The move comes as part of efforts to combat illegal migration and enhance security in the region.
The statement noted that the deportations followed intensive security operations conducted over the past two days, Thursday and Friday. Among those deported were 52 migrants apprehended during a successful raid carried out by the Al-Butnan Security Directorate in the border town of Umm Saad.
These operations align with the agency’s broader strategy to identify and apprehend violators, enforce deportation orders issued by judicial authorities, and implement Libya’s immigration laws and regulations.
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.
