Libyan authorities have foiled an attempted migrant smuggling operation in Benghazi, intercepting 52 irregular migrants before they could depart by sea toward Europe in what officials described as a major anti-smuggling operation.
The operation was carried out by the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency after investigators received intelligence indicating that a location in Benghazi was being used to shelter migrants ahead of an organized smuggling attempt across the Mediterranean.
Following surveillance and intelligence gathering, security teams deployed advanced monitoring tools, including drones, to identify the precise location of the site in the Kuweyfiya district. Authorities then launched a coordinated raid on the facility, where they found 52 Egyptian migrants preparing for departure.
Officials said those detained ranged in age from 12 to 25, with several minors among the group. The presence of underage migrants has renewed concerns over the growing involvement of vulnerable youth in dangerous irregular migration routes.
According to authorities, the site was being used as a holding warehouse by smuggling networks to house migrants before transferring them to coastal departure points. Officials said the facility lacked basic safety and humanitarian standards, exposing migrants to severe risks even before departure.
The Anti-Illegal Migration Agency said the operation was conducted under direct coordination between security units and involved close field supervision, reflecting a high level of preparedness in confronting human smuggling networks.
Authorities confirmed that legal procedures have been initiated and that the migrants were transferred to the Benghazi Greater Shelter Center for processing in accordance with applicable legal and humanitarian frameworks.
Libyan officials reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying efforts against migrant smuggling and irregular migration, stressing that such operations help protect both national security and human lives by preventing dangerous sea crossings.
Libya remains one of the main transit and departure points for migrants attempting to reach Europe via the central Mediterranean, with smuggling networks continuing to exploit the country’s long coastline and fragile security environment.
