Militia detains 300 migrants in the desert in Libya’s effort to contain sea crossings

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Libyan military officials say they have apprehended hundreds of migrants traversing the country’s vast desert. The migrants hoped to ultimately cross the Mediterranean Sea in pursuit of a better life in Europe. The 444 Brigade, a powerful militia group that operates under the auspices of the Libyan army, said Monday in a statement that its patrolling commanders detained more than 300 migrants and referred them to authorities. The group in a post on Facebook condemned smuggling and human trafficking and said its patrols would continue efforts to block smuggling routes. It posted satellite images of the desert and pictures of what appeared to be migrants sitting in rows in front of armed and masked militants.