Libyan military officials have initiated a sweeping security sweep targeting vast stretches of the southern frontier, extending from strategic desert hubs to the remote borderlands with Chad. The operation, spearheaded by Colonel Ahmed Abu Qila, commander of the southern desert patrols, aims to tighten border controls and curb irregular migration flows that have long plagued the region.
The campaign covers critical zones, including Sebha, Umm al-Aranib, Qatrun, Dahaan, Murzuq, and Tajarhi, before reaching the Chad border—a vast and often lawless expanse where smuggling and human trafficking networks thrive. Abu Qila confirmed that teams are currently mapping out routes and refining operational strategies to establish a new security outpost in the designated “border zone 17.”
Addressing the media, the colonel emphasized that the General Command is fully backing the anti-immigration agency, recognizing the escalating threat of illegal migration as a pressing national security issue. He highlighted the pivotal role of logistical and equipment support from the agency’s deputy commander, which has significantly boosted field operations and operational efficiency.
The initiative also includes diplomatic and technological enhancements, with Libya actively negotiating security agreements with neighboring countries and acquiring advanced surveillance tools. These measures are designed to dismantle transnational criminal syndicates that exploit porous borders for illicit crossings and smuggling activities.
