Libyan authorities have discovered nearly 50 bodies in two mass graves in the southeastern desert, officials confirmed on Sunday.
This discovery adds to the growing list of tragedies involving people attempting to cross Libya in hopes of reaching Europe.
The first grave was uncovered on Friday at a farm in Kufra, where officials found 19 bodies.
Authorities removed them for further examination to determine the cause of death. Photos posted by security officials showed officers and medical personnel digging up the bodies, which were wrapped in blankets.
A local humanitarian group assisting migrants in eastern and southern Libya stated that some of the victims appeared to have been shot before being buried.
Another mass grave was later found in Kufra, containing at least 30 bodies. Security officials said it was discovered during a raid on a human trafficking hideout.
Survivors claimed that nearly 70 people had been buried at the site, and authorities are continuing their search.
Mass graves containing migrants have been found in Libya before. Last year, officials recovered at least 65 bodies in the Shuayrif region, south of Tripoli. The country remains a key route for people fleeing Africa and the Middle East, hoping to reach Europe.
However, Libya has been in turmoil since the 2011 uprising that led to the removal and death of longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi. The country is now divided between rival governments, each backed by different armed groups and foreign allies.
With little law enforcement, human traffickers have taken advantage of the instability, smuggling people through Libya’s vast borders. Many migrants face extreme danger, packed onto overcrowded boats for risky sea journeys.
Reports from rights groups and UN agencies continue to expose widespread abuse, including forced labour, physical violence, sexual assault, and extortion. Those caught and sent back to Libya often end up in detention centres, where they face further mistreatment.
