The Libyan Ministry of Youth has strongly condemned the abduction of the head of the Local Youth Council in the city of Al-Khoms by an unidentified armed group. The ministry described the incident as a serious act targeting elected youth bodies and threatening local stability.
According to initial reports, the abduction occurred while the council’s president and several members were finalising preparations to commemorate the Battle of Al-Merqab, in coordination with the Khoms Municipal Council. Armed men stormed the site, assaulted the team, and forcibly took the council’s president to an unknown location.
In a statement, the Ministry of Youth said the attack was not merely an assault on an individual but a blow to the city’s security and to the spirit of organised youth work in Libya. It urged the competent security authorities to act swiftly to determine the whereabouts of the abducted official, ensure his safety, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The ministry also called on all institutions and social entities in Khoms to unite against such unlawful acts, stressing the importance of preserving national unity and maintaining peace and security across the country.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting elected youth councils as legitimate partners in promoting civic engagement and community development, urging all parties to respect the rule of law and protect public officials from intimidation or violence.
The incident has sparked concern among civil society organisations and youth networks across Libya, who have demanded accountability and expressed solidarity with the Khoms Youth Council.