Six bodies of migrants recovered in southeast Libya, security directorate says

Libyan security authorities have recovered the bodies of at least six migrants in the southeastern part of the country after their vehicle reportedly broke down in the desert, the Alwahat Security Directorate said on Tuesday.

The bodies were discovered in a desert area approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) northwest of the town of Jalu.

According to the security directorate, two bodies were found inside the stranded vehicle, while three others were located about four kilometres away. Another body was discovered roughly 10 kilometres from the vehicle after security personnel followed footprints in the desert.

Vehicle documents indicated that the owner was a Chadian national.

Authorities said 19 other migrants were rescued on Sunday in connection with the incident, although the exact location of their rescue was not disclosed.

The vehicle owner’s brother, who was among those rescued, reportedly told authorities that another vehicle travelling with them took fuel from the stranded vehicle and continued the journey.

Libya has become a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, with many travelling through dangerous desert routes and crossing the Mediterranean. The country has served as a key migration corridor since the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in the 2011 NATO-backed uprising.

Photos released by the security directorate showed security personnel and members of the Fifth Battalion of the 129th Brigade recovering the bodies and placing them in black plastic bags.