New Mass Grave Discovered in Libya Amid Ongoing Migrant Crisis

In a chilling discovery, authorities in Libya have uncovered a mass grave near Kufra holding the remains of at least 28 migrants. This grave was found following a raid on a human trafficking site that led to the liberation of dozens of detained individuals. Investigations continue amidst growing concerns over migrant safety in the region.

 

The bodies of at least 28 migrants have been unearthed from a mass grave in a desert area of south-east Libya, as reported by the country's attorney general. This finding, which took place north of Kufra, comes just days after another mass grave was discovered containing 19 bodies on a nearby farm. The latest revelation followed a raid on a human trafficking site, where officials rescued 76 migrants who had reportedly been subjected to torture and inhumane treatment. Authorities stated that one Libyan national and two foreign accomplices have been apprehended in connection with these crimes.

The attorney general's office described the gang's actions as intentionally depriving illegal migrants of their liberty while inflicting various forms of abuse. Unverified images shared on social media depict police and volunteers engaging in the somber task of excavating the deceased and securing their remains for further investigation. The search efforts in Kufra, which is situated over 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles) from Tripoli, are actively ongoing.

The recovered bodies have been sent for autopsy, as investigators suspect ties to organized smuggling networks operating in the area. Testimonies from survivors are being meticulously documented to aid in the ongoing inquiry. This grim situation echoes last year's discovery of another mass grave in Libya's southwest region, which contained the bodies of at least 65 migrants—a revelation that drew considerable condemnation from humanitarian organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has become a significant transit point for many migrants attempting perilous journeys across the desert and the Mediterranean Sea in pursuit of a new life in Europe. Alarming reports from UNICEF indicate that as of 2024, over 2,200 individuals have either died or disappeared while attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of refuge, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing this humanitarian crisis.