Smuggling operation thwarted and dozens of migrants rescued after 6 deaths in the southern desert.

Sebha, 24 May 2026 (Lana) Patrols from the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency Al-Wahat branch, in cooperation with the Petroleum Facilities Guard, thwarted an attempt to smuggle illegal migrants deep in the southern desert and seized three four-wheel-drive vehicles used to transport the migrants across dangerous desert routes.

The agency stated through its media office that two vehicles, a Tundra and a Sequoia, were seized, carrying 52 illegal migrants, including 49 Sudanese and 3 Chadian, and were transferred to the branch headquarters, where preliminary investigations were initiated.

The agency confirmed that initial investigations revealed the migrants had come from the Kouri Bougadi mine area inside Chad, using desert routes used by smuggling and illegal migration networks, which lack basic safety measures and essential services.

The agency stated that the migrants reported experiencing a journey fraught with harsh conditions, including severe thirst, depleted supplies, and getting lost in the desert, which led to the deaths of six individuals whose bodies were left in the desert due to the difficulty of movement and the rugged terrain.

Investigations with the two drivers, both Sudanese nationals, revealed the existence of a third vehicle that suffered a mechanical breakdown during the journey, where security patrols were later able to locate and apprehend it.

The agency confirmed that the Public Prosecutor's Office has been notified to take the necessary legal measures, and coordination is also underway with the Libyan Red Crescent to locate the deceased and recover the bodies.

The agency noted that the location is approximately 300 kilometres south-west of the Al-Wahat region.

The Agency reiterated its warning about the dangers of illegal migration and falling prey to smuggling networks, emphasising that the desert routes used in these operations pose a direct threat to the lives of migrants due to the harsh environment and the lack of rescue and supplies.

=Lana=