Libya’s Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA) announced that it has rescued a number of migrants off the western coast, near Tripoli.
The agency’s media office stated that the migrants were immediately transferred to a health clinic to receive first aid and medical treatment. It reiterated its firm stance against human traffickers, and curbing the phenomenon of illegal migration.
The SSA did not disclose the total number of rescued migrants.
Notably, Amnesty International called for SSA leaders to be held accountable for their crimes against migrants.
In June, Amnesty claimed that entrenched impunity has emboldened the SSA to commit unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions, interception and subsequent arbitrary detention of migrants and refugees, torture, forced labour, and other shocking human rights violations and crimes.
Created by a government decree in January 2021, the SSA is commanded by one of the most powerful militia leaders in Tripoli, Abdel-Ghani Al-Kikli (Gheniwa). He was appointed despite the well-documented history of crimes and human rights abuses committed by militias under his command.
In June, the SSA announced the closure of the country’s western coast, starting from Tripoli, to the Tunisian border.
In a statement, the agency said that a military operation would be launched to secure the western maritime region of the country. It explained that the closures would remain until the end of the military operation.
“The operation aims to combat illegal immigration, drug dealers, and fuel smuggling. Those who are arrested will be referred to the Attorney General within 24 hours,” the agency explained.