The head of the Association of Returned Migrants from Europe has shared new details regarding Kurdish migrants in Libya, confirming that 8 individuals have been missing for three months while denying reports claiming the mass detention of hundreds of other youths.

Disappearance of 8 Migrants Since March

Bakr Ali, the head of the Association of Returned Migrants from Europe, stated that 8 Kurdish migrants have been missing in Libya since March 15 of this year.

The individuals were part of a group of 38 passengers who departed from the Libyan coast on March 14, heading toward Europe. Since then, all communication has been cut off, and no verified information about their fate has emerged over the past three months.

No Evidence of Ransom or Armed Detention

The association head said there is currently no official evidence indicating that the missing migrants are being held in detention centers controlled by armed groups in Libya.

He also emphasized that none of the missing individuals have contacted their families to report detention or to claim that ransom payments are being requested for their release.

Denial of Reports on Mass Detention of 350 Youth

Bakr Ali strongly rejected media reports claiming that 350 Kurdish youths have been arrested and detained in Libya.

He stated that allegations of armed groups demanding ransom to release hundreds of young people are false, adding that those previously detained were released late last year and earlier this year and have already returned safely to their families.

Libya as the World’s Most Dangerous Migration Route

For several years, Libya has been a key transit point for irregular migration toward Europe.

Due to severe political and security instability, the United Nations considers the Libyan maritime corridor and the Mediterranean route to be the most dangerous irregular migration pathway in the world.