Batnan – The security force of the Joint Security Room in Batnan managed to thwart a smuggling attempt across the sea, and seized large quantities of supplies that were prepared for an illegal journey, during a qualitative and extended security operation.
The operation was carried out in accordance with the directives of Major General Salah Mahmoud al-Khafifi, head of the security room in Batnan, and based on a solid plan to track human smuggling networks and illegal routes.
The security force carried out intensive field monitoring and follow-up operations that lasted for 48 continuous hours, centred on the Umm al-Shawsh Bay area, south of Bab al-Zeitoun, east of Tobruk.
The efforts resulted in the seizure of a large truck parked near the beach, inside which an 11-metre-long wooden boat was found, fully equipped for use in smuggling illegal migrants across the Mediterranean Sea.
In addition to the boat, large quantities of foodstuffs, drinking water and fuel were seized, which were intended to provide the illegal journey with the supplies needed to cross the sea.
The truck and its entire contents were transferred to the headquarters of the Tobruk branch of the Illegal Immigration Agency, where the necessary legal measures were taken regarding the seizures, and investigations are continuing to reach the supervisors of this criminal network.
At the end of the statement, the CIEM stressed that it will continue to strike with an iron hand against anyone who has the opportunity to undermine Libya’s security and violate its coasts to commit human smuggling crimes.