Reports from the Libyan capital Tripoli say that security forces and armed groups have arrested more than 600 migrants since Friday, following a large-scale operation in various neighborhoods of the city.
The arrests include a large number of Somalis. Warsame Abdi Mohamed, a Somali living in Tripoli, said that more than 300 Somalis, including men, women and people of different ages, were arrested in the operation.
Sources say that police and armed men conducted searches in many neighborhoods, arresting some people in their homes, while others were arrested on the streets, markets and public transport.
Many migrants were reportedly arrested while passing through business areas or on public transport, while others were taken from their homes.
The operation has created great fear among Somalis living in Tripoli, with many people saying that they no longer feel safe to move freely in the city.
The Libyan authorities have not yet officially announced the reason behind the operation. However, those arrested were reportedly questioned about their legal status and residency documents.
Witnesses said that those without official documents were arrested, and in some cases their vehicles were confiscated. The locations of those arrested are still unknown, and many families have reported that they have lost contact with their relatives.
Somalis living in the city said that the operation has caused growing confusion and anxiety, after many of those arrested have lost contact.
