The investigation documented violations suffered by 1,300 migrants, including forced detention, torture, and extortion for their release.

The Libyan Public Prosecutor's Office announced on its Facebook page that the Libyan authorities dismantled a network involved in human trafficking in an area in the southwest of the country and arrested some of its members.

The statement said, yesterday, Saturday, that the authorities arrested the network’s leaders and 10 members on charges of committing crimes against migrants, including murder, illegal detention, torture and rape.

The investigation documented violations suffered by 1,300 migrants, including forced detention, torture, and extortion for their release.

Libya descended into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 led to the overthrow and death of Muammar Gaddafi, with two rival governments backed by armed groups vying for control of the oil-producing country. ISIS fighters have also gained a foothold in the country.

People smugglers operating in Libya have sent hundreds of thousands of migrants across the sea to Europe, especially Italy, with impunity since 2014. Thousands have died during the journeys.