Mass Grave of Migrants Unearthed in Libya Amid Trafficking Raids

The discovery follows a raid on a trafficking site, highlighting the ongoing crisis faced by migrants as Libya remains a major transit route for those attempting perilous journeys to Europe.

Authorities in Libya have uncovered a horrifying mass grave containing at least 28 migrant bodies in the southeast region near Kufra, as confirmed by the country's attorney general. This discovery follows closely on the heels of another mass grave containing 19 bodies that was recently excavated from a nearby farm. These grim finds come just days after law enforcement conducted a raid on a suspected human trafficking operation, where 76 migrants were liberated from dire conditions of detention and abuse.

According to the attorney general's office, one Libyan national and two foreign accomplices have already been arrested in connection with the heinous crime. The statement outlined that the traffickers subjected illegal migrants to severe maltreatment including torture and degrading treatment. Disturbing images circulating on social media, yet to be verified by independent sources, show police and volunteer groups excavating the desert sands and placing the recovered bodies into black body bags.

Search operations around Kufra, which is situated over 1,700 kilometers away from the capital city of Tripoli, are ongoing. The attorney general has reported that the bodies recovered have been sent for autopsies, with investigative authorities suspecting strong ties to broader smuggling networks. Furthermore, testimonies from survivors are being meticulously documented as part of the investigation.

In recent years, Libya has tragically transformed into a major transit hub for migrants seeking to navigate dangerous desert routes and perilous Mediterranean Sea crossings in hopes of reaching Europe. A concerning report from UNICEF indicates that the number of individuals either dead or missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean has surpassed 2,200 for the year 2024 alone. In a previous incident last year, at least 65 migrant bodies were found in a separate mass grave located in southwestern Libya, eliciting sharp criticism and condemnation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).