Libya’s naval forces announced on Monday that two boats carrying 70 irregular migrants had been rescued off the coast of Tobruk as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal migration and secure the country’s maritime borders.
According to a statement issued by the Libyan Naval Forces General Staff, the operation was carried out by units of the Libyan Coast Guard and Port Security affiliated with the Libyan National Army. The rescue took place during a maritime patrol conducted along the eastern Libyan coastline.
Officials said the migrants were travelling aboard two small vessels when they were intercepted and assisted by coast guard teams operating in the area. The migrants were reported to be of various nationalities, although authorities did not disclose further details about their identities.
Following the rescue operation, the migrants were transported safely to shore and handed over to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary legal and administrative procedures.
The naval command said the operation forms part of broader efforts to secure Libya’s coastline and prevent smuggling networks from using the country’s territorial waters for illegal activities, including irregular migration and human trafficking.
Earlier on Monday, the Al-Abirin Foundation for Migrant Assistance and Humanitarian Services also reported the interception of another migrant vessel off the Tobruk coast. According to the organisation, a boat carrying 67 migrants of different nationalities was rescued by the Tobruk branch of the General Administration for Coast Security affiliated with the eastern-based command.
The migrants were subsequently disembarked at the migrant reception point located at the naval base in Tobruk, where authorities began the process of registering and transferring them to the competent agencies.
Eastern Libya has increasingly witnessed attempts by migrant smuggling networks to launch sea crossings toward Europe from its coastline. Security authorities say maritime patrols have been intensified in recent months to prevent illegal departures and ensure the safety of migrants at sea.
Libyan officials maintain that continued coordination between naval forces and humanitarian organisations remains essential in addressing migration challenges along the Mediterranean route.
