Libya’s Anti-Illegal Migration Agency has arrested 28 Bangladeshi irregular migrants in the eastern city of Al-Bayda as they allegedly prepared to be smuggled by sea toward Europe, officials said.
The operation was carried out by the agency’s Security Operations Department following what it described as precise intelligence indicating the presence of a group of Bangladeshi migrants inside a house on the outskirts of the city. Specialized teams launched field investigations, gathered information, and monitored the suspects’ movements to verify the report.
After confirming the intelligence, security units set up a coordinated ambush at the appropriate time and location. The operation resulted in the arrest of all 28 migrants, who authorities said were part of an organized human smuggling attempt that exposed them to serious danger.
The agency stated that the successful security operation was conducted under the supervision of its Security Operations Department in the Green Mountain region. The arrests took place at approximately 02:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Libyan authorities continue to report frequent attempts by smuggling networks to move migrants toward European shores, particularly along the eastern coastline.