Mass Grave of 21 Migrants Unearthed Near Ajdabiya

Security forces in eastern Libya uncovered a mass grave containing the bodies of at least 21 migrants from sub-Saharan African countries on a farm near the town of Ajdabiya, following a raid prompted by reports of human trafficking, local authorities announced this week.

The Internal Security Agency in the east conducted the operation on the property, located about 10 kilometers southeast of Ajdabiya and roughly 160 kilometers from Benghazi. Officials received intelligence indicating that undocumented migrants were being held captive there. During the raid, supported by Brigade 166 and the Ajdabiya Public Prosecution, forces discovered the grave and rescued several survivors, estimated at more than 10 individuals, including men, women, and children. The rescued migrants showed signs of torture, with some suffering from gunshot wounds, and were transported to Martyr Mohammed Al-Maqrif Hospital for treatment.

A Libyan national, identified as the farm owner with a prior criminal record, was arrested at the scene. He admitted to the presence of the mass grave on his property, according to security sources. One official, speaking anonymously, described the findings: "We found...