Migrants, rescue ships face threats at sea by Libyan groups, NGO says

Published on

24/08/2026 - 7:41 GMT+2

A leading aid group said on Monday that migrants crossing the Mediterranean and rescue ships that help them face increasing levels of threat and harassment from Libyan groups.

Thousands of people have died crossing from Africa to Europe and SOS Méditerranée is leading part of a network of ships and planes that monitor these waters.

The group said that the central Mediterranean was becoming "increasingly hostile," which it said was bolstered by "the expansion of European cooperation with Libyan actors regarding migration deterrence."