Rescue teams in eastern Libya recovered five decomposed bodies believed to be migrants.
Authorities located the remains 550 kilometers south of Tobruk in the Great Sand Sea.
Workers transported the remains to Tobruk, the Red Crescent confirmed.
The group called the tragedy part of the “death journey” migrants endure across deserts.
Abreen, a local aid group, said the bodies likely belonged to Sudanese migrants.
The group posted photos of the operation, including one showing decomposed clothing.
Libya’s Role in Dangerous Journeys
Libya borders six nations and has a long Mediterranean coastline, making it a key migration route.
Migrants escaping war and poverty risk dangerous land and sea crossings.
Drownings are common; in December, 61 migrants, including children, drowned near Zuwara.
In May, seven Sudanese migrants died after their vehicle broke down crossing from Chad.
Rescuers found them after 11 days without food or water, officials said.
Rising Migration Pressures on Europe
The International Organisation for Migration estimated 787,000 migrants and refugees in Libya in 2024.
The UNHCR reported 32,400 people crossed from Libya to Europe in 2021, double the 2020 total.
In April, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed boosting Frontex staff by 30,000.
Officials said the expansion would strengthen Europe’s external border security.
