Libyan security forces have uncovered a mass grave containing 21 undocumented migrants on the outskirts of Ajdabiya, eastern Libya, and arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for their deaths.
The discovery was made by the Libya Internal Security Agency in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Libyan Red Crescent during an intelligence-led operation. Reports indicate that the migrants were killed by human traffickers after being held in captivity.
Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed on Wednesday evening that several other migrants, including women and children, were rescued from the trafficking network following the investigation.
Authorities said the suspect, a Libyan national, has been taken into custody and that investigations are ongoing to identify additional perpetrators and potential victims still held in captivity.
Libya remains a key transit route for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. Many migrants face abuse, extortion, forced labor, and even death at the hands of trafficking networks.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly called on Libyan authorities and the international community to intensify efforts to dismantle trafficking operations and protect vulnerable migrants.
The Libyan government stated that operations to investigate the Ajdabiya killings and locate other victims are continuing.
