The Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, has warned that Libya remains a dangerous place for migrants and asylum seekers compared to other North African countries, where they are subjected to serious abuses including kidnapping and torture at the hands of smuggling networks and armed groups.
In this context, the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency thwarted an illegal migration attempt off the Libyan coast east of the city of Benghazi. In a statement from the presidency of the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency, the operation came after receiving accurate information regarding the suspicious movements of a group of migrants in the Sidi Ali area.
A specialized force from the Investigation and Arrest Office moved to the targeted location, and the operation resulted in the seizure of a boat prepared for sailing with 35 illegal migrants on board. The boat and all its equipment were destroyed at the site to prevent its reuse in any illegal activity, while the detainees were referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office to complete legal procedures.
