Local rescue teams in eastern Libya recovered five decomposed bodies believed to be migrants.
Search and Recovery Operations
Crews and authorities located the remains 550 kilometers south of Tobruk in the Great Sand Sea.
Workers transported the remains to Tobruk, according to the Red Crescent.
The group described the tragedy as part of the “death journey” migrants endure through the desert.
Migrants Likely from Sudan
Abreen, a local aid group, suggested the remains likely belonged to Sudanese migrants.
The group released photos from the operation, including images showing decomposed clothing of one victim.
Libya as a Migration Gateway
Libya borders six nations and stretches along the Mediterranean, making it a key migrant route to Europe.
Migrants fleeing poverty and wars often attempt dangerous sea and land crossings from Libya.
Ongoing Tragedies on Land and Sea
Drowning incidents remain frequent near Libya’s coast.
In December, 61 migrants, including women and children, drowned near Zuwara.
In May, seven Sudanese migrants died after their vehicle broke down in the desert.
Rescuers found them 11 days later without food or water, said Kufra’s ambulance director.
Growing Migration Pressure
The International Organisation for Migration estimated 787,000 migrants and refugees in Libya in 2024.
The UNHCR reported 32,400 people crossed from Libya to Europe in 2021, double the 2020 total.
In April, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed raising Frontex staff by 30,000.
Officials said the expansion could strengthen efforts to secure Europe’s external borders.
