Italian activists forced from Sirte camp by Libyan western forces

Around 250 participants from several continents were part of the Maghreb Sumud and Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission aiming to deliver aid to the Rafah crossing for the Palestinian population. The convoy had been encamped near a mosque in Sirte, western Libya, for nine days without incident.

On the afternoon of May 25, 2026, black military vans arrived and soldiers with covered faces ordered the camp to be cleared. Activist Sara Suriano recounted being “attacked by the western Libyan forces… forced to gather in the mosque, then violently ordered to board buses and leave.” Women were dragged, struck, and a man lost consciousness after being punched; the mosque was cleared using gas. The group was subsequently taken by bus toward Misurata for repatriation, with the Italian delegation of seven members reported safe. Ten activists detained previously by eastern Libyan militia remain in custody.

The incident highlights the volatile security situation for aid convoys operating in Libya and raises concerns about the treatment of foreign volunteers.