The North African nation of Libya serves as a crucial passage for migrants attempting to reach Europe in search of better opportunities, according to TRT Afrika.
A total of 107 migrants, including women and children, were rescued from confinement in a southeastern Libyan town, as per a security officer’s statements on Monday.
Spokesperson Walid Alorafi of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Benghazi revealed that the migrants had been held captive for as long as seven months with the desire to travel to Europe.
The captives, hailing from various sub-Saharan nations but predominantly Somalia, were discovered in a secret hideout in Kufra’s city center during a recent raid.
Upon their rescue, the migrants, some bearing signs of torture and gunshot wounds, were entrusted to the illegal migration agency for further processing.
Footage released by CID displayed the demolition of the premises where the captives were detained, along with visuals of aid workers assisting those with mutilation marks.
Alorafi expressed concern over the dire health conditions of some of the migrants, highlighting the challenges they face.
Located approximately 1,712 kilometers away from the Libyan capital, Kufra has attracted migrants seeking passage to Europe amidst the nation’s volatile post-Gaddafi era.
The rich oil reserves of Libya have made it an alluring destination for migrants seeking employment opportunities, resulting in a sizeable foreign population residing in the country.
Recent data gathered by the United Nations in 100 Libyan municipalities indicates the presence of over 700,000 migrants from diverse backgrounds within Libya.
A grim discovery of 65 migrant bodies in a mass grave in southwest Libya prompted calls for increased regional cooperation to safeguard the well-being of migrants.
Remarks by U.N. special envoy Abdullah Bathily emphasized the urgent need for Libyan authorities to address the mistreatment of migrants in detention and alleviate their suffering.
Reporting by Ayman Werafli in Benghazi; composed by Ahmed Elumami; revisions by Bill Berkrot.
