Al-wahat: Patrols from the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency Al-Wahat branch, in cooperation with the Petroleum Facilities Guard, successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle illegal migrants deep in the southern desert. The operation led to the seizure of three four-wheel-drive vehicles that were being used to transport the migrants across perilous desert routes.
According to Libyan News Agency, the agency’s media office reported that two vehicles, a Tundra and a Sequoia, were intercepted while carrying 52 illegal migrants. Among them were 49 Sudanese and 3 Chadian nationals, who were subsequently transferred to the branch headquarters for preliminary investigations.
Initial findings revealed that the migrants had embarked from the Kouri Bougadi mine area inside Chad, traversing desert routes commonly exploited by smuggling and illegal migration networks. These routes are notorious for lacking basic safety measures and essential services.
The migrants recounted a harrowing journey marked by severe thirst, depl
eted provisions, and disorientation in the desert, leading to the tragic deaths of six individuals. Due to challenging terrain and limited mobility, the bodies were abandoned in the desert.
Further investigations with the two drivers, identified as Sudanese nationals, uncovered the existence of a third vehicle that had experienced a mechanical failure during the journey. Security patrols were able to locate and apprehend this vehicle as well.
The agency notified the Public Prosecutor’s Office to initiate necessary legal procedures and is coordinating with the Libyan Red Crescent to locate and recover the deceased individuals’ bodies.
The incident occurred approximately 300 kilometres south-west of the Al-Wahat region. The agency reiterated its warning regarding the dangers of illegal migration and the risks posed by smuggling networks. It emphasized that the desert routes used in such operations pose significant threats to the lives of migrants due to the harsh environment and lack of resources.