Libya's migrant roundup reaches 4,000 amid major crackdown

The raids took place on October 1 in the western town of Gargaresh as part of what authorities described as a security campaign against illegal migration and drug trafficking

A major crackdown in western Libya has resulted in the detention of at least 4,000 migrants, including hundreds of women and children, officials said on October 2. The U.N. said at least one young migrant was shot dead and 15 others injured, including two in serious conditions, in the crackdown.

The raids took place on October 1 in the western town of Gargaresh as part of what authorities described as a security campaign against illegal migration and drug trafficking. The Interior Ministry, which led the crackdown, made no mention of any traffickers or smugglers being arrested.

Officials said on October 1 that 500 illegal migrants had been detained but on October 2 reported that number had reached 4,000.