A fishing vessel carrying 170 migrants came under fire from a Libyan militia on Sunday, highlighting the growing risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe. The attack, reported by Times UK, involved both gunfire and a flare shot that struck a 15-year-old Egyptian boy in the face, leaving him in a coma and in critical condition, according to Luca Casarini, head of the Mediterranea charity.
The incident was carried out by the Tariq Ben Zeyad brigade, led by Saddam Haftar, the son of eastern Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar. The group rammed the fishing vessel and left the scene after a two-hour confrontation, during which migrants pleaded for mercy. Italian authorities eventually rescued the migrants and provided medical care for the wounded.
Analysts say the incident underscores the risks of EU engagement with Libya’s eastern militias. The EU has already invested millions in training and funding the coastguard, while Italy has donated patrol vessels. This year alone, nearly 48,600 migrants have attempted to cross from Libya to Europe, up from 33,300 during the same period last year.
Observers warn that Haftar’s offers to stem migration flows may be more about positioning himself as a necessary solution than actually stopping departures. Analysts suggest that EU support could inadvertently empower militias like the Tariq Ben Zeyad brigade, increasing the likelihood of violent encounters at sea. The attack has raised concerns over whether the EU’s partnerships in Libya could lead to further human rights abuses while attempting to curb migration.
