Authorities in Libya have identified two bodies recovered from a mass grave discovered in Tripoli, marking a significant development in ongoing investigations into alleged past abuses.
The Support Directorate Security Apparatus said in a statement that the remains were exhumed from a site located in the Sidi Hussein cemetery area within the Agricultural Project district of Tripoli. The location was uncovered days after authorities announced the discovery of the grave last week.
According to officials, the victims were identified as Mohamed Al-Taher and Abdelati Al-Qabli, both residents of Abu Salim. The statement said the two men had been missing since April 25, 2023, following a dispute linked to Saif Al-Kikli.
Preliminary forensic examinations indicated that Al-Taher died from gunshot wounds to the head, while Al-Qabli sustained fatal gunfire injuries to the torso.
Authorities said the mass grave was located based on information provided by a former member of the Stability Support Apparatus, who reportedly left the country and disclosed details about the burial site. The source also provided names of individuals allegedly subjected to abduction, torture and killing under the supervision of Al-Kikli.
Officials confirmed that DNA testing was conducted to verify the identities before formally announcing the results, noting that names had initially been withheld pending completion of procedures.
The agency called on anyone with information related to alleged crimes involving the Stability Support Apparatus to come forward, pledging to handle reports through legal channels while ensuring safe communication methods for witnesses.
The discovery forms part of a broader series of findings linked to mass graves and alleged violations in Tripoli. In May 2025, the Ministry of Interior reported the discovery of dozens of unidentified bodies in a morgue at Abu Salim Hospital. During the same period, 444 Combat Brigade announced the recovery of additional remains from another site in the area.
In July 2025, the Office of the Attorney General issued arrest warrants for 172 members of the Stability Support Apparatus as part of investigations into alleged crimes including abduction, murder, torture and arbitrary detention.
