Libyan authorities have foiled a large-scale attempt at illegal migration off the coast of Benghazi, intercepting a group of migrants preparing to embark on a dangerous journey across the Mediterranean.
The Anti-Illegal Migration Agency in Benghazi confirmed that its officers had launched a targeted operation after receiving intelligence about suspicious activity in the Sayyid Ali area, a known departure point for smuggling operations.
Under the supervision of Major General Abdelali Suleiman Said, specialized teams from the investigations and arrest units tracked and intercepted a vessel that had been equipped for sea travel.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 35 migrants of various nationalities who were preparing to set sail toward Europe. The vessel, along with its navigation and safety equipment, was destroyed at the site to prevent its future use in smuggling operations.
The detained migrants were transferred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for further legal procedures, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend the organizers behind the attempted crossing. Officials noted that early intelligence and swift coordination among local security forces were key to the operation’s success.
The foiled attempt comes amid an uptick in migrant departures along Libya’s eastern coast, as smuggling networks exploit the country’s vast and porous shorelines. Benghazi’s security and maritime authorities have recently intensified their patrols to combat human trafficking and curb irregular migration routes that lead to tragic shipwrecks and loss of life at sea.
The Anti-Illegal Migration Agency reaffirmed its commitment to fighting smuggling and trafficking networks, which it described as a growing threat to national security and human dignity.
