One of Libya’s most wanted human traffickers, Abdel-Rahman Milad, was killed on Sunday in the capital, Tripoli, according to Libyan officials. Milad’s death has fueled tensions in the western part of the North African country, already grappling with a decade-long conflict and instability.
Known for his involvement in human trafficking, Milad commanded a coast guard unit in the western town of Zawiya and was under United Nations Security Council sanctions.
Milad, also known as “Bija,” was shot dead by unknown assailants, though the circumstances of his death remain unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility. Libyan media reported that Milad was shot while in his vehicle in the Sayyad area of western Tripoli. Footage circulating online showed a white Toyota Land Cruiser riddled with bullet holes, which reportedly belonged to Milad. Both officials who confirmed his death spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns. The government of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, based in Tripoli, has yet to comment on the killing.
The death of Milad has provoked reactions from various groups within Libya. Moammar Dhawi, a militia leader in western Libya, mourned Milad’s death and called for an investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. His statement, posted on Facebook, highlights the fractured nature of Libyan politics, where numerous militias operate with relative autonomy and often clash over territory, power, and resources.
Libya has faced continuous turmoil and corruption since the NATO-backed uprising that led to the ousting and death of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. Since then, the country has been divided between two rival administrations, each supported by various armed groups and foreign governments. The chaos and lack of a centralized authority have turned Libya into a major transit point for people from Africa and the Middle East fleeing conflict and poverty, hoping to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.
Milad’s death comes in the context of Libya’s role as a critical hub for human trafficking. In June 2018, the United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions on Milad and five other leaders accused of running criminal networks that trafficked migrants and others from Libya. At the time, Milad was described as the head of a coast guard unit in Zawiya “consistently linked with violence against migrants and rival human smugglers.” According to U.N. experts monitoring the sanctions, Milad and other members of the Coast Guard were “directly involved in the sinking of migrant boats using firearms.”
Despite the allegations and sanctions, Milad denied any involvement in human trafficking activities. He claimed that traffickers often wore uniforms similar to those of his men, which led to confusion and wrongful accusations. Milad’s defense did little to convince international authorities, and he was jailed for about six months from October 2020 to April 2021 on charges related to human trafficking and fuel smuggling.
Milad’s death marks the end of a notorious figure in Libya’s ongoing human trafficking crisis, but it is unlikely to bring an end to the practice itself. The country’s continued instability and lack of effective governance create a fertile ground for human trafficking networks to thrive. The Libyan coast, particularly around the western city of Zawiya where Milad operated, remains one of the main departure points for migrants attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. Many of these journeys end in tragedy, with boats capsizing or being intercepted by militias, coast guard units, or other groups.
The international community has been divided over how to address Libya’s human trafficking issues. The European Union, in particular, has faced criticism for its cooperation with the Libyan Coast Guard, which has been accused of committing human rights abuses against migrants. The involvement of sanctioned individuals like Milad in these operations has further complicated efforts to create a unified approach to Libya’s human trafficking crisis. Critics argue that funding and training for Libyan authorities may inadvertently empower individuals and groups involved in human trafficking, rather than curbing the practice.
Milad’s killing may create a power vacuum in the region he controlled, potentially leading to increased violence among rival militias and trafficking gangs competing for control. It also raises questions about the future of Libya’s already fragile stability and the potential for further escalation in the conflict-ridden country.
With Libya remaining divided between two governments—one in Tripoli led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and another in the eastern city of Benghazi—the death of a high-profile figure like Milad adds another layer of complexity to the political and security landscape. Each administration is backed by various militias, each with its own interests, and foreign governments seeking influence in Libya’s future.
Milad’s death is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and lawlessness that has plagued Libya for over a decade. As calls grow for a thorough investigation into his killing, the incident underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to stabilizing Libya and addressing the criminal networks that have flourished amid its chaos.
