The Wahat Security Directorate announced on Thursday the recovery of 19 bodies from a mass grave in a farm near Jikharra, a desert oasis town in northeastern Libya. The site is believed to be linked to human trafficking and irregular migration activities.
Authorities were alerted to the grave following a report indicating the presence of buried bodies inside a farmhouse previously used by a known smuggling network. Upon arrival, security forces noticed disturbed soil and unusual markings scattered across the property, raising suspicions.
With the assistance of the Red Crescent in Jalu, security personnel successfully retrieved the bodies in the presence of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The remains have been transferred to forensic authorities for examination.
The Wahat Security Directorate has reinforced security around the farm as investigations continue to uncover the full details behind the case. Officials are working to identify the victims and determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Jikharra, a strategic hub along migration routes, has witnessed numerous cases of human trafficking and smuggling in recent years, making it a focal point for security operations.