Stability Support Apparatus rescues ten in Tripoli

Stability Support Apparatus has rescued ten Bangladeshi nationals held captive by a human trafficking ring in Tripoli’s Al-Hadaba district, officials said Thursday.

Acting on reports of distress calls, the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) conducted surveillance before raiding a residential building where they found one victim locked behind a metal door.

“We had been monitoring the location after receiving tips from concerned residents,” an SSA spokesperson told the Libyan Express. “When we heard screaming coming from inside, we moved in immediately.”

Three Bangladeshi nationals armed with knives were arrested at the scene. Under questioning, they admitted to being part of a criminal network that kidnaps fellow countrymen and sends torture videos to their families, demanding ransoms of 50,000 Libyan dinars (approximately $10,300) per victim.

The interrogation led to a second raid elsewhere in Al-Hadaba, where authorities freed nine more captives. These victims had already had ransoms paid—$3,500 each—and were awaiting transport westward, likely toward Az-Zāwiyah, a coastal hub for trafficking operations.

“These criminals preyed on vulnerable migrants who were just seeking better opportunities,” the spokesperson said. “The suspects revealed connections to larger trafficking networks operating out of Az-Zāwiyah,” about 29 miles west of Tripoli.

The suspects have been handed over to the Illegal Immigration Prosecution Office for criminal proceedings.

The Stability Support Apparatus, established in January 2021, is a specialised security force operating under Libya’s Government of National Unity. Initially formed to combat organised crime and terrorism, the SSA has expanded its operations to address human trafficking and migrant exploitation.

With approximately 3,000 personnel, the force has conducted several high-profile operations in Tripoli and surrounding areas over the past year, focusing on dismantling criminal networks that exploit Libya’s position as a key migration route.

Libya has long been a transit point for migrants attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing to Europe, with human rights groups documenting widespread abuse and exploitation by trafficking networks.

SSA did not release details about the victims’ physical condition but confirmed they’re receiving necessary care as the investigation continues.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​