28 Jul 2020 | 11:10 PM UTC
Libya: Authorities kill fleeing migrants in Khoms (Murqub district) July 27
Local authorities shoot and kill three migrants attempting to escape from a detention center in Khoms (Murqub district) on July 27; heightened security presence likely in the near term
Event
Authorities in Khoms (Murqub district) shot and killed three migrants as they attempted to flee a detention center on Monday night, July 27. The deceased were Sudanese nationals who were among around 70 migrants who had been aboard a vessel that was intercepted by the coast guard whilst attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. As the migrants disembarked the vessel, around half of them attempted to escape whilst being taken to the detention center.
A heightened security presence is expected in the Khoms area following the incident.
Context
Libya has an estimated 654,000 migrants, mostly housed in detention centers. Many attempt to flee Libya across the Mediterranean to Europe and hundreds have been intercepted at sea in recent months and sent back to Libya.
Advice
Individuals in the Khoms are advised to avoid the affected area, report suspicious objects and behavior to the police, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
