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Security Patrols Crack Down on Smugglers in South Libya Desert

A patrol is seen in the Libyan desert. (Counter-Terrorism Force)
A patrol is seen in the Libyan desert. (Counter-Terrorism Force)
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Security Patrols Crack Down on Smugglers in South Libya Desert

A patrol is seen in the Libyan desert. (Counter-Terrorism Force)
A patrol is seen in the Libyan desert. (Counter-Terrorism Force)

A security force in western Libya pledged to crack down on gangs smuggling fuel and weapons and trafficking illegal migrants.

It said it will deploy more patrols to track them in the southwestern desert and combat their activities “that are undermining national security”.

Libya suffers from the widespread smuggling of fuels, weapons, and illegal migrants by local gangs through its vast borders with neighboring countries.

The Counter-Terrorism Force said on Sunday that its backup units continue to carry out their patrols at the orders of Defense Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah to confront the outlaws and bring them to justice.

The 444th Brigade of the interim Government of National Unity (GNU) recently confiscated a fuel truck loaded with 40,000 liters that were “prepared to be smuggled abroad”.

The Brigade further raided 26 locations in Qurayyat in coordination with various security bodies. After clashing with the outlaws, it arrested suspects wanted on drug and weapons trade, illegal migration and fuel smuggling charges.

The security force added that its patrols will continue based on a security plan aimed at cracking down on the illegal operations.

The Public Prosecution had remanded state employees in the Highway Service Company in custody for abetting fuel smugglers.

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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.