Libya: 310 migrants apprehended in Tajoura, Umm Al-Faris, Tobruk operations

Libyan authorities have apprehended at least 310 undocumented migrants in separate security and anti-smuggling operations in Tajoura, Umm Al-Faris and Tobruk, according to posts by Migrant Rescue Watch.

The operations, carried out by Libya’s Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), involved raids on suspected migrant-smuggling locations and efforts to prevent attempted sea crossings.

On September 17, 2026, the DCIM Investigation and Arrest Department, acting on intelligence, raided a suspected human-smuggling site in the Tajoura area and arrested 21 migrants of different African nationalities.

According to Migrant Rescue Watch, the migrants were allegedly preparing to cross the Mediterranean by boat. They were subsequently transferred to the East Tripoli Immigration Detention Centre.

On the same day, the DCIM Derna Branch reportedly thwarted an attempted irregular sea crossing in the Umm Al-Faris area.

The operation resulted in the seizure of two boats and the apprehension of 37 migrants, identified as Egyptian and Sudanese nationals. They were transferred into DCIM custody for what the report described as legal action.

Earlier, on August 27, 2026, DCIM, working jointly with police, conducted security operations in Tobruk, targeting locations reportedly being used by undocumented migrants.

The operation resulted in the apprehension of 252 migrants of various nationalities, who were subsequently transferred to DCIM custody for completion of legal procedures and repatriation.

Taken together, the three operations involved 310 migrants, according to the figures published by Migrant Rescue Watch. The organisation’s posts describe the actions as part of Libya’s continuing efforts to disrupt irregular migration and human-smuggling networks.

Migrant Rescue Watch’s reporting has also documented other recent interceptions, arrests, transfers and repatriations involving migrants in Libya. (sotwe)

The figures and details in this report are based on information published by Migrant Rescue Watch; independent verification of the individual operations was not provided in the posts cited.