Iraq will send military planes to Libya to repatriate stranded migrants as part of ongoing Iraq-Libya Kurdish migrant rescue operations. The government plans to return more than 150 Kurdish migrants from the Kurdistan Region in the coming days.
Kurdish lawmaker Muthanna Amin confirmed that two flights will depart on Wednesday and Thursday. Each military cargo plane can carry about 130 passengers, so two planes are necessary. This step follows previous efforts to bring stranded migrants home safely.
Recently, five migrants were rescued after traffickers demanded between $3,000 and $4,000 per person. Many migrants attempted to reach Europe through Libya and Tunisia, facing repeated detentions and harsh conditions. Consequently, Iraqi authorities emphasized that repatriation protects youths from human trafficking networks.
The Libya-Italy route has grown in popularity, as stricter regulations have limited the Turkey-Greece crossing. Although this journey can take as little as eight hours, it may cost up to $17,000 per person, with much of the money paid to militias controlling Libya’s coast. The high risk has made government intervention essential for safe return.
Earlier this month, Iraq’s Prime Minister approved using special planes to bring migrants back. Acting Iraqi embassy head in Libya confirmed that all arrangements for voluntary returns are complete. Officials highlighted that this operation strengthens the voluntary return mechanism led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During meetings, Amin and embassy officials discussed additional support for families awaiting their loved ones. The rescue efforts aim to ensure safe travel and protect Kurdish youth from exploitation. Authorities also plan to coordinate with Libyan counterparts to avoid further risks during repatriation.
This initiative reflects Iraq’s broader commitment to protecting citizens abroad. By combining logistics, diplomatic coordination, and security measures, the government demonstrates an active approach in addressing the challenges of irregular migration.
Overall, the Iraq-Libya Kurdish migrant rescue operations underscore the importance of coordinated action against human trafficking. By prioritizing safety, dialogue, and careful planning, officials hope to provide a sustainable solution for returning migrants. The key phrase is echoed again as authorities prepare to monitor arrivals and ensure all families are reunited.
The operation marks a significant step in humanitarian support, emphasizing Iraq’s proactive role in protecting its citizens abroad. Iraq will continue the Iraq-Libya Kurdish migrant rescue operations, taking every possible measure to guarantee the migrants’ safe return.
