Bodies of six migrants wash ashore near Libya’s Misrata

At least six migrants have died attempting to reach Europe, as Libya remains a key — and dangerous — transit point for those fleeing poverty and conflict.

At least six bodies of migrants have been recovered after washing ashore near the Libyan city of Misrata, authorities said.

Libya has become a major transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East, attempting to reach Europe via perilous journeys across the desert and the Mediterranean. The situation has worsened since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The Libyan Red Crescent said the coastline near Misrata, located about 200 km east of Tripoli, is still being patrolled in case more bodies are found.

In February, Libyan authorities discovered dozens of bodies in mass graves in the country’s southeast. Libya’s oil-based economy continues to attract migrants seeking work despite the country’s political instability and security risks.

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