Libya – The central security force, a unit under the Ministry of Interior in the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, scored another success against human trafficking networks operating in Libya.
Despite Libya’s current struggle amidst a civil war that has been raging for over a year, the central security force succeeded in disrupting a new attempt at smuggling humans to Europe through a dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea.
In a carefully planned operation aimed at interdicting the routes used by migrants to reach departure points along the coast near the capital, the above-mentioned unit intercepted and arrested at least 40 migrants in Garabulli. Following the interrogation of those apprehended, the central security force arrested another group of migrants attempting to reach the Libyan coast.
The human traffickers who were leading migrants to well-hidden boats managed to escape, but through the carefully executed operation, the security force succeeded in demonstrating that the government controls the territory and that human traffickers cannot easily execute their operations. Curbing human trafficking saves lives and blocks the financial channels used by traffickers to acquire weapons and other means that they exploit to commit criminal acts and spread violence. The security apparatus in Libya is affirming its ability to impose the rule of law and fight human trafficking.
