Iraq has successfully repatriated 12 of its citizens who entered Libya irregularly, following a coordinated operation led by the Iraqi Embassy in Tripoli. According to Chargé d’Affaires Ahmed Al-Sahaf, the embassy worked with Libyan authorities for more than two months to secure their release and arrange their safe return.
In a statement, the embassy said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to monitor the situation of Iraqi nationals in Libya, where many fall prey to trafficking networks exploiting migrants attempting to reach Europe. The embassy confirmed that a further 19 Iraqis were located during the process—victims of human smuggling and trafficking rings operating across the region.
The statement added that the embassy is now completing the necessary procedures to facilitate the voluntary return of all identified migrants, emphasising its commitment to ending their ordeal and ensuring their repatriation as soon as possible.
The development comes amid a rise in irregular migration attempts through Libya in recent years. Smuggling groups have taken advantage of economic hardship and instability in several countries, including Iraq, drawing migrants toward perilous routes in hopes of reaching European shores. Both Libya and Iraq continue to pursue coordinated action to dismantle trafficking networks and provide assistance to stranded migrants, despite the complex security and humanitarian challenges facing Libya.
