Libyan patrol vessel opens fire on migrant rescue ship
Non-governmental organisation Sea-Watch has claimed that a Libyan patrol vessel opened fire on one of their migrant rescue ships, according to The New Arab plus agencies on September 27th.
The boat operated by Sea-Watch was based in the Mediterranean Sea, coming to the aid of migrants attempting to cross the path from Africa to Europe. Sea-Watch confirmed there were no injuries.
The NGO claims that the Libyan coastguard fired “live ammunition” shortly after its ship had rescued 66 people and called on the European Union to take immediate and decisive action to ensure safety and de-escalation.
Whilst the rescue operation was ongoing, Sea-Watch said the Libyan Ubari 660 Corrubia Class patrol boat had ordered the crew to turn north via radio, which would have obstructed the rescue, according to the NGO.
Sea-Watch remarks that it is only the latest in a series of attacks by Libyan “militia” which have intensified in recent months.
On August 24th, the rescue ship Ocean King was fired upon after they rescued 87 people from international waters, and NGOs have claimed that EU deals with Libya have directly contributed to these conflicts.
Sea-Watch said the Libyan patrol boat was given to the coastguard in 2018 as part of a Libya-EU deal designed to intercept migrants before they reach Europe.
Libya has forged closer ties with the EU and member states in regard to migration, and the EU has admitted to considering development aid and improved visa access to leverage significant deals to halt migration from Libya.
Numerous charities have criticised the migration situation in Libya, particularly the way in which EU support for migration policies has fuelled human rights abuses in the wider Maghreb region, including arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual abuse.
Libya functions as a pivotal transport hub for migrants fleeing poverty and conflict across Africa, as they attempt to make their way to Europe. The presence of human trafficking networks in Libya means that migrants are often exploited, and irregular migration to Europe remains a key issue.
The New Arab plus agencies, Maghrebi.org
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