Libya militia leader detained over killing of high-profile human trafficker

Libya’s chief prosecutor has ordered the detention of militia leader Mohamed Bahroun and an associate in connection with the killing of notorious human trafficker Abdel-Rahman Milad. Bahroun, commander of the First Support Battalion, surrendered after accusations of involvement in Milad’s death emerged.

Milad, also known as “Bija”, was killed on 1 September in Tripoli while riding in a vehicle driven by a chauffeur. He was a prominent figure in Libya’s coastguard, accused by the UN of sinking migrant boats using firearms and being involved in human trafficking operations. Sanctioned by the UN Security Council, Milad was previously jailed for human trafficking and fuel smuggling.

Infamous Libyan human traffickers under investigation in Italy

Italian authorities are currently investigating two Libyan militants: Abdel Rahman Milad, known as Bija and ahis cousin Osama al-Khuni…

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Both Bahroun and his associate remain in custody as prosecutors gather further evidence. Milad had risen to power during the chaos following the 2011 NATO-backed overthrow and subsequent murder of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi, turning Zawiya into a hub for smuggling and trafficking. Despite his denials, Milad was linked to serious human rights abuses in Libyan detention centres, where migrants were extorted or imprisoned.

The detention of Bahroun marks a rare move against a militia leader in Libya, where armed groups have long wielded considerable power. The case has drawn international attention, especially from European countries like Italy, which have been impacted directly by the North African country’s human trafficking networks.

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