Rescue teams in eastern Libya recovered five decomposed bodies suspected to be migrants.
Authorities found the remains 550 kilometers south of Tobruk in the Great Sand Sea.
Workers transported the bodies to Tobruk, according to the Red Crescent.
The group called the tragedy part of the “death journey” migrants endure through the desert.
Abreen, a local aid group, said the victims were likely Sudanese migrants.
The group posted photos of the recovery, showing clothing of one decomposed body.
Libya’s Role in Migration Routes
Libya borders six countries and has a long Mediterranean coastline, making it a key migrant transit point.
Migrants fleeing conflict and poverty risk perilous journeys by land and sea.
Drowning incidents near the coast remain frequent.
In December, 61 migrants, including women and children, drowned near Zuwara.
In May, seven Sudanese migrants died after their vehicle broke down in the desert.
Rescuers found them after 11 days without food or water, said Kufra’s ambulance director.
Rising Numbers and International Response
The International Organisation for Migration estimated 787,000 migrants and refugees in Libya in 2024.
The UNHCR reported 32,400 crossed from Libya to Europe in 2021, more than double the 2020 figure.
In April, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed expanding Frontex staff by 30,000.
Officials said the increase would strengthen the EU’s ability to secure external borders.
