UN-sanctioned Libyan human trafficker killed in Tripoli

Milad, who previously commanded a coast guard unit in the western town of Zawiya, was targeted by unknown assailants. The details surrounding his death remain unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to local media reports, Milad was shot while inside his vehicle in the Sayyad area, located in the western part of Tripoli, as reported by AP.

Both officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity for their safety, confirmed the incident. The Tripoli-based government, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, is yet to comment on Milad’s killing, AP reported.

Moammar Dhawi, a militia leader in western Libya, expressed grief over Milad’s death and called for an investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable in a statement posted on Facebook.

Libya has been mired in corruption and instability since the NATO-backed uprising that ousted and killed longtime dictator Muammar Gadhafi in 2011.

The country has since been divided between two rival administrations, each supported by armed groups and foreign powers.

Amid this chaos, Libya has become a major transit point for migrants from Africa and the Middle East attempting to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

In June 2018, the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on Milad and five other leaders of criminal networks for their involvement in human trafficking and smuggling operations in Libya.

Milad, identified as the head of a coast guard unit in Zawiya, was accused of perpetrating violence against migrants and rival smugglers.

UN experts alleged that Milad and his coast guard members were directly involved in sinking migrant boats using firearms, a claim Milad denied, blaming traffickers for wearing similar uniforms.

Despite this, Milad was imprisoned for six months (October 2020 – April 2021) on charges related to human trafficking and fuel smuggling.

(with inputs from AP)

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