On Thursday, the General Administration For Coastal security in Tobruk, operating under the General Command of the Libyan National Army (LNA), successfully rescued 71 irregular migrants despite severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and rough seas.
The group included nationals from Yemen, Bangladesh, Egypt, and one individual from Sudan. After the operation, the migrants were brought ashore at the disembarkation point of the Tobruk Naval Base.
Initially, the migrants were scheduled to be transferred to the Bab Al-Zeitoun Migrant Detention Center. However, due to extreme overcrowding and a lack of capacity at the facility, authorities were unable to admit them. The migrants were instead transported to the headquarters of the Tobruk Military Region for temporary accommodation.
Humanitarian response teams from Al-Aabireen Foundation for Humanitarian Work, in cooperation with the Libyan Red Crescent – Tobruk branch, responded immediately. They provided urgent food supplies and medical assistance to the rescued migrants, many of whom were visibly exhausted and in need of care after their journey.
Authorities have not yet specified the next steps for the group, though coordination with relevant state agencies and international partners is expected to determine their status and future arrangements, including potential repatriation or transfer to other shelters.
Libya remains a major transit point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. Despite increased efforts by Libyan coast guard units and international organizations, the risks to migrants remain high, and the need for humanitarian coordination remains urgent.
