MOGADISHU, Somalia — Libyan security forces rescued 62 migrants from traffickers during a raid on a compound in eastern Tripoli.
The migrants, including Somalis, were held for ransom. Authorities said some families had already paid traffickers before the hostages were freed.
The Interior Ministry said the operation targeted a facility in the Tagoura area, led by the Department of Information and Investigation.
Rescued migrants came from Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea and Liberia. Eight women and a 20-day-old infant were held while awaiting ransom.
One Somali, Jama Mohamed Somal, was freed after his family paid nearly $18,530. He remained captive until the raid, officials said.
Authorities arrested African nationals accused of running the site, working in coordination with Libyan guards stationed at the compound.
They said suspects will be prosecuted. Migrants have received medical attention and humanitarian aid following their rescue.
Somali migrants are often lured by smugglers with false promises of reaching Europe, only to hand them over to hostage-takers.
Hundreds are now stranded in Libya and are facing harsh conditions and regret leaving home for a better life.
Many hoped to cross the Mediterranean but instead found themselves trapped in a cycle of violence, hunger and fear.
Traffickers known as “Magafe” intercept migrants in Libya and subject them to torture until ransom is paid.
Many now plead for help to return home as Somalia’s embassy in Tripoli struggles with slow and complex repatriation efforts.
Libya remains a dangerous transit route for migrants to Europe where many fall victim to trafficking and extortion networks.