Authorities in Libya have recovered 17 bodies of migrants along the coastline near the city of Zwara, highlighting the ongoing dangers of Mediterranean migration routes.
According to the Emergency Medicine and Support Centre, the bodies were found on Sunday in Zwara and nearby coastal areas. Fourteen of the deceased have since been buried following official procedures.
Zwara, located about 120 km from Tripoli near the Tunisian border, has become a major departure point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea toward Europe—particularly Italy.
A persistent and deadly route
Libya remains one of the primary transit hubs for migrants from Africa and the Middle East seeking to reach Europe. Its long, porous coastline and political instability have made it a key launching point for smuggling networks.
However, the journey across the Mediterranean is one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Overcrowded and poorly equipped boats frequently capsize or go missing, often leaving little trace beyond bodies washing ashore.
This latest recovery underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, as thousands continue to risk their lives each year in search of safety or economic opportunity.