On 11 May, eastern Libya authorities from the Ajdabiya Security Directorate announced the deportation of 120 migrants who ‘had been held by human traffickers south of Benghazi,’ and discovered the bodies of three other migrants washed up on a Mediterranean beach.
On 11 May, UNHCR announced that 31 refugees departed Libya for Canada from Mitiga airport; 24 more followed two days later.
On 13 May, the Criminal Investigation Department’s Amsaaed branch announced the rescue of 48 migrants – reportedly held inside a warehouse east of Tubruq. These people, with a further 40 Bangladeshi nationals and 8 Egyptian nationals, were ‘transferred to the branch headquarters to complete legal procedures.’ The department also reaffirmed its ‘continued efforts to combat illegal migration networks and protect lives from exploitation and abuse.’
On 14 May, UNHCR announced that another 131 refugees left Libya for Italy through a humanitarian corridor. Expanding humanitarian pathways – UNHCR noted – remains ‘key to helping refugees find solutions in safety and dignity outside Libya.’
On 16 May, the Libyan Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency announced the deportation of 415 Nigerien migrants via the Brak al-Shati Airport to the Mano Dayak International Airport in Niger. The operation was described as ‘part of national efforts to combat illegal immigration and enhance security and stability.’