Airstrikes on Zuwara Port Spark Widespread Controversy in Libya Over Targeting Civilians

The Libyan Government of National Unity faced a wave of sharp criticism after the Ministry of Defense carried out airstrikes on Saturday at the port of Zuwara city, in the west of the country, allegedly targeting boats suspected of being used for smuggling migrants across the Mediterranean Sea.

While the ministry announced that the operation is part of its efforts to combat smuggling networks, a coastal security support unit issued a statement accusing the government of "targeting civilians," confirming that the strikes hit civilian fishing boats and two coast guard vessels, resulting in serious injuries among civilians.

The statement described the strikes as "reckless policies that threaten the stability of the homeland," holding the government fully responsible, and affirming its rejection of what it considered "distortion of facts and trading in the blood of Libyans."

These developments come in the context of a military operation launched by the government months ago, aimed at dismantling human and drug smuggling networks in the cities of the western coast, yet the continued smuggling activity to this day raises questions about the effectiveness of these operations and their true objectives.

The western coastal area, including Zuwara, is one of the most active points in smuggling migrants and subsidized fuel to Europe, making it a constant focal point for security and political tensions in Libya.