Libyan authorities have dismantled a human trafficking network in the country’s southwest and arrested several individuals involved, according to a statement from the Attorney General’s office posted on Facebook on Saturday.
Among those detained are one of the network’s leaders and 10 members, who face charges of murder, illegal detention, torture, and rape of migrants.
The investigation revealed that approximately 1,300 migrants were victims of forced detention, torture, and extortion for their release.
Following a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 that overthrew and killed Muammar Gaddafi, Libya plunged into chaos, with two rival governments and militias vying for control over the oil-rich country.
Islamic State militants also established a presence in Libya.
Since 2014, people smugglers in the country have transported hundreds of thousands of migrants to Europe, primarily Italy, with thousands perishing during the dangerous sea journeys.
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