Mass Grave of 21 African Migrants Discovered in Eastern Libya, Human Smuggler Arrested

Mass Grave of 21 African Migrants Discovered in Eastern Libya, Human Smuggler Arrested

A mass grave containing the remains of 21 African migrants has been discovered in eastern Libya, in a grim development that has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by migrants transiting the country.

According to reports by DWAfrica, citing local media, the Ajdabiya branch of Libya’s Internal Security Agency uncovered the grave during a raid on a farm allegedly owned by a Libyan human smuggler. The location was reportedly used to detain migrants under inhumane conditions while ransom demands were made to their families.

Security officials said some of the recovered bodies showed signs of gunshot wounds, with reports indicating that the migrants were allegedly killed after their families failed to pay the demanded ransom.

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The suspect has been arrested and taken into police custody, and is currently awaiting trial. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether other victims or accomplices are linked to the operation.

The discovery has sparked outrage among local residents and human rights activists, some of whom have reportedly called for the death penalty for those responsible.

Libya remains a major transit route for African migrants seeking to reach Europe, and the country has long been criticised by international organisations for widespread human trafficking, abuse and exploitation of migrants amid prolonged political instability.

The latest incident adds to a growing list of similar discoveries in recent years, reinforcing calls for stronger action by Libyan authorities and the international community to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable migrants.

Mass Grave of 21 African Migrants Discovered in Eastern Libya, Human Smuggler Arrested