Libyan authorities have intercepted a group of irregular migrants deep in the desert south of Jalu, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb illegal migration across the country’s vast southern borders.
The Anti-Illegal Migration Agency confirmed that patrols from the Oasis Office, operating under the Southeast branch and in coordination with the Petroleum Facilities Guard, successfully stopped a vehicle transporting migrants in a remote desert area.
According to officials, the vehicle, identified as a Toyota Tundra, was carrying 14 migrants of Chadian and Sudanese nationalities. The group was intercepted approximately 74 kilometers south of Jalu, in a sparsely populated area often used by human smuggling networks operating between Libya and Chad.
Authorities said the migrants had entered Libyan territory through southern border routes, taking advantage of the harsh terrain and the difficulty of maintaining full surveillance across such a large desert region. These routes remain among the most active corridors for irregular migration toward northern Libya and the Mediterranean coast.
The operation reflects growing coordination between security agencies tasked with monitoring strategic areas, particularly those near oil facilities and critical infrastructure. Officials emphasized that such cooperation is essential to disrupting smuggling activities and maintaining stability in remote regions.
Following their interception, the migrants will be transferred to the relevant authorities to complete legal and administrative procedures in accordance with Libyan law. Officials reiterated their commitment to addressing irregular migration through coordinated field operations and enforcement measures.
Libya remains a major transit point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa attempting to reach Europe. Despite intensified patrols, smuggling networks continue to exploit remote desert routes to move migrants across borders.
Authorities stressed that efforts will continue to strengthen border monitoring, dismantle trafficking networks, and reduce the risks associated with irregular migration.
