Libya has become an important transit route for human traffickers

Cairo: As many as 3,000 people have been detained in western Libya in connection with a government crackdown on illegal immigrants. It also includes a large number of women and children.

The raids were carried out in the western Libyan city of Gargaresh, with authorities calling the raids a major security crackdown on illegal immigrants and those involved in drug trafficking.

The Home Ministry said there were no reports of any drug traffickers or smugglers being nabbed so far in the crackdown. Officials said 500 illegal immigrants were detained, but the number of detainees reached four thousand on Saturday.

Gargaresh is considered a center for immigrants and refugees. It is located 12 km west of the Libyan capital Tripoli. Situated away. The town has been the scene of raids on immigrants for years, but this time the raids are considered to be the worst ever.

Libya has become an important transit route for migrants fleeing poverty and war in Africa and the Middle East since pro-NATO forces assassinated dictator Gaddafi in 2011.

Human traffickers from oil-rich countries have taken advantage of this situation and are transferring migrants to six countries with long borders. Immigrants are illegally transported in rubber boats by sea to the Mediterranean Sea, making dangerous journeys.

The detainees are being held at the Collection and Return Center in Tripoli, said Col. Nouri Al Gratley, the center's head of police. He said the migrants are being held in detention centers in and around Tripoli. Libya's detention centers are considered extremely bad for migrants, they are treated inhumanely there and mistreated, human rights activists say.

Authorities have repatriated as many refugees as possible, a government official said. He said people living illegally in Libya have been arrested for years.