Volunteers working with naval forces and coast guards affiliated with the Libyan National Army rescued seven survivors during recovery operations near the coastal city of Tobruk, close to Libya’s border with Egypt, the Red Crescent said in a statement.

The group said the vessel had been stranded at sea for more than a week before rescue teams reached it. Security officials said they expected the bodies of the nine missing migrants to wash ashore in the coming days.Images released by the Red Crescent showed volunteers placing bodies in black plastic bags before loading them onto pickup trucks for transport.

Libya remains a major transit route for migrants, many from sub-Saharan Africa, attempting to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean in overcrowded and often unsafe boats after fleeing poverty, violence and political instability.

Shipwrecks and deaths along the central Mediterranean route remain frequent, with human rights groups and international agencies repeatedly warning about the risks posed by traffickers operating from Libya’s coast.

On Tuesday, Libya’s attorney general said Tripoli Criminal Court sentenced four members of a criminal gang based in the western city of Zuwara to prison terms of up to 22 years for human trafficking, kidnapping for ransom and torture.

In a separate case, the Public Prosecutor’s Office ordered the arrest of another trafficking group accused of sending migrants from Tobruk on a deteriorating vessel that later capsized, causing the deaths of 38 Sudanese, Egyptian and Ethiopian nationals, according to the attorney general.

Authorities said the gang had arranged the sea crossing despite the unsafe condition of the boat, adding to growing scrutiny of trafficking networks operating along Libya’s eastern and western coasts.

Libya has struggled for years to control migrant smuggling routes amid political fragmentation and weak law enforcement, with rival administrations and armed groups competing for influence across the country.

The Tripoli Criminal Court convicted the four defendants in absentia, handing down prison terms ranging from 12 to 22 years, according to a statement published by the attorney general’s office on Facebook. The office did not disclose the identities of those convicted.

Prosecutors said the group was involved in smuggling undocumented migrants from the western coastal city of Zuwara, one of Libya’s main departure points for migrants attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean.

Authorities said the gang also abducted migrants and extorted ransom payments from their families, sending relatives videos showing victims being tortured in order to force payment.

Libya has become a major transit route for migrants and asylum seekers fleeing war, persecution and poverty in Africa and the Middle East since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi and plunged the country into prolonged instability.

Migrants often travel through dangerous desert crossings before attempting sea journeys to Europe in overcrowded and unsafe boats operated by smuggling networks.Two weeks ago, at least 17 bodies believed to be migrants were recovered from the shores of Zuwara by a local medical service center, highlighting the continuing risks faced by those attempting the crossing.

Separately, Libya’s Public Prosecutor’s Office on Monday ordered the arrest of another criminal group accused of sending migrants from the eastern city of Tobruk across the Mediterranean on an unsafe and dilapidated vessel that later capsized.

Authorities said the incident resulted in the deaths of 38 migrants from Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia.International scrutiny over Libya’s treatment of migrants has intensified in recent years.

In November, several countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Norway and Sierra Leone urged Libya during a United Nations meeting in Geneva to close detention centers where rights groups say migrants and refugees have been tortured, abused and in some cases killed.

The survivors, who said their vessel had initially carried 105 people, were found clinging to the wreckage of an overturned boat before being taken aboard nearby ships, according to Mediterranea Saving Humans and Sea-Watch. The bodies and survivors were later transferred to an Italian coast guard patrol boat and brought to the island of Lampedusa.

Italy’s interior ministry declined to comment on the incident, while the Italian Coast Guard did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation. The rescue took place during Easter, a major holiday in Italy.

Footage released by Sea-Watch showed migrants struggling in open waters, with several individuals holding onto the partially submerged orange hull as rescuers approached.

The central Mediterranean route, one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors, has been further complicated this year by adverse weather conditions. Rough seas have reduced the number of departures from North Africa but increased the risks for those attempting the journey.

The International Organization for Migration estimates that at least 683 people have died along the central Mediterranean route so far this year, marking one of the highest death tolls recorded since 2014.

IOM, in a post on social media platform X, quoted survivors as saying the boat, carrying around 86 people, departed the Libyan city of Zwara, about 110 km (68 miles) from the capital, Tripoli.

“The central Mediterranean continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes,” IOM said.

Deadly igncidents this year included one in June, when a fishing boat packed with hundreds of migrants sank off Greece after departing from Tobruk, Libya. The voyage, which was supposed to end in Italy, resulted in 78 recorded deaths with the fate of 518 others unknown, according to an IOM report.

Drowning was the main cause of death on migration routes globally in the first half of 2023, with 2,200 recorded fatalities in the period, according to the IOM report.

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The central Mediterranean route was the deadliest, accounting for a total of 1,727 deaths and disappearances along its shores in the period, the IOM report said. The majority of the deaths were recorded in Tunisia, followed by Libya, it said.

The figures remain an undercount, IOM said in its report.

Sea migrant arrivals to Italy have almost doubled in 2023 compared with the same period last year, with around 140,000 people coming ashore so far. Some 91% came from Tunisia, with the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa bearing the brunt of landings.

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The European Union and Tunisia signed a “strategic partnership” deal in July that includes combating human traffickers and tightening sea borders during a sharp increase in boats leaving the North African nation for Europe.

Britain and Italy announced plans on Saturday to jointly finance the journey home for migrants stranded in Tunisia, according to statements from both countries, but did not say how much would money was being provided.

In February 2019, the four men were sentenced by a Tripoli court to prison terms ranging from 17 to 22 years on charges of arms trafficking and spying, as reported by Libyan media outlets. However, on Friday, news emerged that the individuals had been released at the request of the Libyan prosecutor’s office, following mediation efforts by Turkey.

Although there has been no official confirmation of their release from the government of Tripoli-based Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah, several Libyan media sources have reported their freedom. It is said that the men were released from the Mitiga detention center in Tripoli and subsequently departed for Turkey before heading to Qatar, which serves as Hamas’s political headquarters.

An image circulating on social media, although unverified, allegedly shows three of the released men aboard what appears to be a private jet.

The timing of their release is noteworthy, given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The nearly eight-week-long war was sparked by an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. Israeli authorities claim that approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the attack, with around 240 individuals taken hostage. The Hamas government in Gaza, meanwhile, alleges that Israeli retaliatory strikes have resulted in the deaths of over 15,000 people, primarily civilians.

Libya has been mired in chaos since the toppling of dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011. The country remains divided between Prime Minister Dbeibah’s United Nations-supported government in the west and a rival administration in the east, led by military strongman Khalifa Haftar. The release of the Hamas members underscores the challenges faced by Libyan authorities in maintaining security and stability in the country.

Flavia Conte, the rescue coordinator for Doctors Without Borders onboard the Geo Barents, reported that the migrants had spent hours at sea in precarious conditions. The rescue ship has previously discovered deceased migrants in similar areas of boats due to inadequate ventilation. The migrants rescued in these operations were primarily Syrians and Egyptians.

Following the rescues, the Italian Maritime Authority instructed the Geo Barents to transport the rescued individuals to the port of Salerno, near Naples, which is approximately 400 kilometers away from their current location. This directive has raised concerns as it keeps rescue ships away from the area where they are most needed. Flavia Conte expressed apprehension that such measures could lead to more unsafe crossings, deaths, interceptions, and returns to Libya.

Doctors Without Borders recently released a statement denouncing the inaction of governments that contribute to the loss of lives at sea. According to statistics from the Italian Interior Ministry, approximately 136,000 people arrived in Italy as of October 6, a significant increase compared to the same period in the previous year when 72,000 arrivals were recorded.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is currently attending a summit in Granada, Spain, has been engaging with European leaders to discuss migration issues. Meloni has emphasized the need for increased support from other countries as Italy grapples with the rising influx of migrants. She has pledged to implement “extraordinary measures” to address the situation.

The ongoing rescue operations highlight the continued challenges posed by irregular migration across the Mediterranean and the strain it places on countries like Italy. As the number of arrivals increases, there is a pressing need for international cooperation and comprehensive solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of migrants and address the root causes of migration.

U.N. Special Envoy for Libya Abdoulaye Bathily said in a statement that such a mechanism is required amid “unilateral and competing initiatives” by Libyan actors and institutions on the reconstruction of the Mediterranean city of Derna and other flood-impacted areas.

Devastating rainfall and floods, triggered by Mediterranean Storm Danial, hit parts of eastern Libya last month. The floods overwhelmed two depleted dams outside Derna on Sep. 11, causing massive waters that washed away residential buildings to the sea and left as much as one-third of Derna’s housing and infrastructure damaged, according to the U.N.’s Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Government officials and aid agencies have given estimated death tolls ranging from more than 4,000 to over 11,000. The bodies of many of the people killed still are under rubble or in the Mediterranean, according to search teams.

As Libya remains divided, with two rival administrations claiming legitimacy and each wanting to oversee the reconstruction of Derna, Bathily called for “a unified national mechanism … required to effectively and efficiently take forward the reconstruction efforts in the flood-affected areas.”

He urged Libyan rival authorities and their international partners to facilitate the establishment of the unified mechanism to ensure “transparency and accountability.”

Following the disaster, many in and outside Libya called for an international investigation, reflecting the deep public mistrust in state institutions. The two dams had not being maintained for decades despite repeated warnings that they were depleted.

Bathily’s call for a unified mechanism quickly gained support from the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, and Italy.

The five governments said in a joint statement that they “strongly support” a proposal to “deliver transparent and accountable relief and response to the reconstruction needs in the wake of the flood disaster.”

The oil-rich North African nation has been in chaos since 2011, when an Arab Spring uprising, backed by NATO, ousted longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. For most of the past decade, rival administrations have claimed authority to lead Libya.

The country’s east and south have been under the control of Gen. Khalifa Hifter and his self-styled Libyan National Army, which is allied with a parliament-confirmed government. A rival administration is based in the capital, Tripoli, and enjoys the support of most of the international community.

Derna, a city located in eastern Libya, has been severely affected by devastating floods in recent months, leading to significant damage to infrastructure and displacing numerous residents. The reconstruction conference aimed to bring together international stakeholders and experts to discuss strategies and initiatives for rebuilding the city and addressing the urgent needs of the affected population.

However, the announcement of the postponement has been met with international skepticism. Some observers have expressed concerns regarding the delays in providing critical assistance to the flood-affected areas and the potential impact on the already vulnerable population. There is a growing sense of urgency to address the pressing humanitarian and infrastructure issues in Derna, and any further postponements may exacerbate the challenges faced by the residents.

The committee responsible for organizing the conference has emphasized the need to allow companies and design offices sufficient time to develop comprehensive and effective reconstruction plans. It is hoped that this additional time will enable the participants to propose practical and sustainable solutions that can address the immediate needs of the city and pave the way for long-term recovery and development.

International support and assistance are crucial for the successful reconstruction of Derna. The rescheduled conference will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate, share expertise, and mobilize resources to expedite the recovery process. The involvement of international actors, including humanitarian organizations and donor countries, is essential to ensure that the reconstruction efforts are comprehensive, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the affected communities.

As the new dates for the conference approach, it is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being of the people of Derna. Swift and effective action is needed to mitigate the impact of the floods, restore essential services, and provide adequate support to the affected residents who have endured significant hardships.

The international community will be closely monitoring the developments regarding the reconstruction conference and the subsequent implementation of the proposed initiatives. It is expected that the rescheduled conference will serve as a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration, leading to tangible outcomes that will contribute to the recovery and resilience of Derna and its residents.

The postponement of the reconstruction conference underscores the complex challenges faced in addressing the aftermath of natural disasters. It is essential to maintain a coordinated and sustained effort to ensure that the needs of the affected population are met, and the city of Derna can rebuild and thrive once again.

According to Mitiga International Airport, a return flight was scheduled to arrive in Tripoli later on Saturday. Going forward, there will be one round-trip flight between the Libyan and Italian capitals on both Saturdays and Wednesdays, as per the announcement made by Mitiga airport.

The government of Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah in Tripoli expressed its appreciation for the resumption of flights, sharing photos on social media showing passengers boarding the flight and officials celebrating this positive development.

The ban on flights from Libya was imposed by Italy and other western nations following the chaotic aftermath of the NATO-backed uprising that led to the overthrow and death of longtime dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011. The country subsequently descended into disarray, with rival administrations in the east and west, backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.

During this period, direct flights from Libya were limited to select destinations, including neighboring countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and certain Middle Eastern nations such as Jordan.

In July, the government of Premier Giorgia Meloni lifted Italy’s 10-year ban on civil aviation in Libya, paving the way for the resumption of flights between the two countries. Italian and Libyan authorities reached an agreement under which one airline company from each country would operate flights connecting the capitals.

This positive development was further highlighted when Prime Minister Dbeibah returned from a migration conference in Rome on a chartered flight with a commercial airline, demonstrating the growing normalization of air travel between Italy and Libya.

The resumption of commercial flights signifies a step towards rebuilding and strengthening the ties between Italy and Libya. It opens up opportunities for enhanced trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, which can contribute to the overall stability and development of both nations.

As Italy and Libya move forward, it is hoped that this positive momentum will continue, fostering deeper cooperation and engagement between the two countries, and ultimately contributing to the prosperity and well-being of their respective populations.

It appeared to be the latest reckless sea interception of migrants by the Libyan coast guard, which is trained and financed by the European Union to stem the influx of migrants to Europe. Libya has in recent years emerged as the dominant transit point for migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

The German sea rescue group Sea-Watch released a video appearing to show the Libyan coast guard boat nearing the dinghy, after which most of those on the vessel fall into the water. Sea-Watch said the Libyan coast guard then took the migrants aboard another ship, a coast guard frigate.

There were no immediate reports of any fatalities or of anyone missing.

Sea-Watch, which carries out rescue operations in the central Mediterranean, said the coast guard was chasing the rubber dingy since early Friday morning before slamming into its side.

From their twin-engine Seabird, Sea-Watch rescuers had repeatedly called on the Libyan coast guard to stop chasing the dingy, they said.

The Sea-Watch video, filmed from the Seabird, shows the migrants who were plunged into the sea swimming towards the nearby frigate and sailors throwing buoyance vests to them.

Those who remained on the sinking dingy were pulled towards the frigate and were also taken on board. A spokesmen from Libyan coast guard did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sea-Watch spokesperson Felix Wiess told The Associated Press by phone that the incident took place roughly 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Libya’s western city of Zuwara.

A civilian rescue ship Louise Michel arrived at the scene shortly afterward and asked to take the migrants, which the coast guard denied.

Since 2015, the EU has been funding the Libyan coast guard as part of efforts to stem the flow of migrants from the North African country towards Italian shores.

Another rescue group, SOS Mediterranee, said in March that the Libyan coast guard fired warning shots at it as it attempted to rescue migrants from a packed ship. In October 2022, Sea-Watch said the coast guard threatened to shoot down its plane used to monitor the sea for smugglers and migrant vessels.

Oil-rich Libya plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Human traffickers have benefited from the chaos in the North African country, smuggling migrants across Libya’s vast borders, bringing them to the coast and packing them into ill-equipped rubber boats and other vessels that then set off on risky sea voyages.

Over recent months, rescue groups say Italy’s hard-line government headed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made it harder for humanitarian vessels to operate. They say the government often assigns their ships to ports further north after a single rescue, which the groups say limits their ability to save lives.