Libya: A Growing Hub for Criminal Economies and Terrorist Financing in the Trans-Sahara

A road in Kambut, Libya. Photo: Mujaddara.

Photo: Mujaddara.

The fall of Gaddafi in Libya facilitated a significant increase in smuggling and trafficking throughout the Trans-Sahara region. This includes the transport of drugs, counterfeits and contraband, weapons, and migrants. Terrorist and militant groups have become increasingly involved in these networks as a means to fund their operations. The increase in illicit activities has been most pronounced in the smuggling of migrants. Thus, international actors should prioritize countering human smuggling in order to limit funding to terrorist groups.

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