Libyan authorities in eastern Libya announced the interception of dozens of irregular migrants aboard two boats off the coast of Tobruk, as migration activity across the Mediterranean route continues to increase ahead of the summer season.
The special forces unit known as “Al-Saiqa,” affiliated with the Libyan National Army under the command of Khalifa Haftar, stated that security forces intercepted a migrant boat carrying 36 people near Libya’s eastern coastline. In a separate operation, the Coastal Security Administration confirmed the detention of another 28 migrants in the same area.
Following the operations, teams from the Libyan Red Crescent in Tobruk provided first aid and humanitarian assistance to the migrants through a joint initiative with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The support included healthcare services, emergency care, and logistical assistance for those intercepted at sea.
The latest operations come as Libya witnesses a rise in irregular migration attempts, particularly with improving weather conditions and calmer seas encouraging more departures toward Europe through the Mediterranean crossing.
International organizations have repeatedly warned that summer conditions often lead to increased smuggling activity, a higher number of sea crossings, and growing risks of drowning incidents and maritime rescues along Libya’s coastline.
In western Libya, security agencies linked to migrant detention facilities east of Tripoli continued patrols and monitoring operations in coordination with local security authorities as part of broader security measures during the Eid holiday period.
The issue of irregular migration remains one of Libya’s most sensitive security and political challenges. Officials in both eastern and western Libya have repeatedly rejected any proposals involving the permanent settlement of migrants inside the country, describing the matter as one linked to national sovereignty and demographic stability.
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration recently announced the voluntary return of 496 migrants from Libya to their home countries through humanitarian flights organized during the past week.
Since the fall of the Muammar Gaddafi regime in 2011, Libya has become one of the main transit points for irregular migration toward Europe due to political instability, weak border control, and expanding human smuggling networks.