The Libya Internal Security Agency, working jointly with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Libyan Red Crescent, made the discovery during an operation on the outskirts of the eastern Libyan city.
Libyan security agencies have uncovered a mass grave containing the bodies of 21 undocumented migrants on the outskirts of Ajdabiya.
The Libya Internal Security Agency, working jointly with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Libyan Red Crescent, made the discovery during an operation on the outskirts of the eastern Libyan city.
The migrants were reportedly killed by human traffickers after being held in captivity.
Migrant Rescue Watch disclosed the development on Wednesday evening, confirming that the bodies were exhumed following intelligence-led investigations by security operatives.
According to the group, a Libyan national suspected to be a human trafficker and directly responsible for the killings has been arrested by the police following the discovery of the mass grave.
Further investigations subsequently led to the rescue of several migrants, including women and children, who were still being held in captivity by the trafficking network.
Libya remains a major transit route for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa attempting to reach Europe through the Mediterranean Sea.
However, many fall victim to trafficking syndicates, facing extortion, abuse, forced labour, and in some cases, death.
Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over the worsening plight of migrants in Libya, calling on local authorities and the international community to intensify efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable migrants.
The Libyan authorities said investigations into the Ajdabiya killings are ongoing, while efforts continue to locate and rescue other possible victims still trapped in human trafficking camps.
WATCH: Libyan Authorities Uncover Mass Grave Of 21 Migrants, Arrest Trafficking Suspect pic.twitter.com/ceyphg6PHy
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