Tripoli: Acting Interior Minister Major General Imad al-Trabelsi announced the ministry’s readiness to form a specialized security force to protect the southern borders, in coordination with all security and military agencies in the region. This announcement was made during an emergency meeting of the Supreme Committee for Monitoring Illegal Migration and Borders, which he chaired on Saturday. The meeting was a follow-up to the outcomes of the meeting held by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dabaiba last Thursday.
According to Libyan News Agency, Major General Al-Trabelsi emphasized that illegal migration is an international issue, not just a local one, and reiterated Libya’s categorical rejection of any attempts to settle illegal migrants within its territory, under any pretext or justification. He explained that the phenomenon of illegal migration is not new but dates back decades, and addressing it comprehensively begins with protecting and securing the borders, particularly with neighboring southern countries.
The Minister stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to accelerate voluntary return programs for migrants to their countries of origin and enhancing cooperation with international partners. This approach is aimed at ensuring that the phenomenon is addressed according to a comprehensive approach that takes into account both security and humanitarian aspects.
In his speech, Trabelsi highlighted the significance of implementing intensive security operations to combat illegal immigration, confront human trafficking gangs, and dismantle their networks. He emphasized that the primary goal is to protect the homeland and enhance national security. The Minister of Interior also praised the efforts of the Ministry’s security agencies, as well as military units, in combating illegal immigration and securing Libya’s western land borders and coasts.
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Minister of Justice Halima Al-Bousifi, Minister of Labor and Rehabilitation Ali Al-Abed, Minister of Soc
ial Affairs Wafa Al-Kilani, the Chief of Staff of the Border Guard at the Ministry of Defense, the Head of the Border Guard at the Ministry of Interior, and a number of specialized security officials.