East Libya Authorities Rescue 120 Migrants from Human Trafficking Hideouts

Authorities in eastern Libya have announced the recovery of 120 migrants from suspected human trafficking hideouts during a major security operation targeting trafficking networks operating in the region.

According to local security officials, the migrants were discovered in several overcrowded locations allegedly used by traffickers to detain and transport people seeking passage to Europe through North Africa’s dangerous migration routes. The operation was carried out by anti-illegal migration units alongside other security agencies.

Officials said many of the rescued migrants were found in poor health conditions, with reports indicating that some had suffered abuse, hunger and inadequate medical care while being held by traffickers. Authorities added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for operating the trafficking dens.

Eastern Libya remains one of the main transit routes for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and other regions attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe. Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over the treatment of migrants in the country, citing cases of forced labour, extortion and unlawful detention.

Security agencies said the rescued migrants would receive humanitarian assistance and medical attention while authorities work to determine their identities and nationalities. The crackdown forms part of wider efforts by Libyan authorities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks that have flourished amid years of instability in the country.

International organisations, including the International Organization for Migration, have continued to urge stronger protections for migrants trapped in Libya’s conflict-affected regions and called for coordinated international action to tackle trafficking across North Africa.