Libyan coast guard opens fire near SeaWatch rescue mission

On 11 May, a vessel linked to the, so called, Libyan coast guard opened fire near a rescue operation conducted by the NGO SeaWatch after around 90 migrants had been rescued, as reported by Libya Gazette on 18 May.

The episode is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader system, in which Libya has effectively become Europe’s external border buffer. Italy in particular has steadily consolidated its role as one of Libya’s closest international partners. Beyond energy cooperation and political dialogue, migration, control remains at the center of
relations.

Libya Gazette