Libya Discovers Mass Grave With 21 Migrants in Eastern Desert

Authorities in Libya have discovered the bodies of at least 21 migrants in a mass grave near the town of Ajdabiya, security sources said on Thursday, highlighting ongoing dangers faced by people attempting to cross the Mediterranean route to Europe.

Security officials and local contacts told Reuters that the remains were found buried in a desert area several kilometres from the main road leading to the eastern part of the country. The identities of the deceased have not been confirmed, and it was unclear how long they had been buried.

Libya has long served as a departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, the Horn of Africa and beyond, many of whom attempt to reach Europe via perilous sea crossings. Smugglers and armed groups often exploit them, and overcrowded vessels and harsh desert conditions have contributed to numerous deaths.

Search and rescue organisations working in the region regularly report on the humanitarian crisis affecting migrants in transit, citing detention centre abuses, extortion and exposure to extreme conditions as common threats.

Local authorities said they were coordinating with humanitarian partners to recover the bodies and gather information to aid identification. The discovery follows other recent reports of migrant fatalities in Libya as movements continue despite increased risks.

SOURCE: Reuters