The Libyan army announced it had freed 19 soldiers who were abducted last month following an attack on the Al-Toum border crossing, as it moved ahead with plans to strengthen its military presence along the country’s southern frontiers, particularly with Sudan, Chad and Niger.
In a statement, the army said the rescue was carried out by elite forces in what it described as a “precise” military operation, following intensive intelligence tracking and field surveillance of armed groups operating in the border areas.
All 19 soldiers were recovered safely after heavy clashes at several locations, the statement said. A number of armed fighters were killed and others captured during the operation, with weapons, ammunition and military equipment also seized.
The army said the operation underscored its commitment not to abandon any of its personnel and highlighted what it described as a high level of readiness and discipline in carrying out field missions.
The developments form part of a broader plan to tighten control over Libya’s southern borders, including reinforcing checkpoints, expanding military patrols and combating arms smuggling and irregular migration. The army also pledged to confront what it called “unregulated groups” active along the frontier with Niger.
The Al-Toum crossing lies within a complex border zone where Libya intersects with Chad, Sudan, Niger and Algeria — vast desert areas that have long faced recurring security challenges.
Separately, the Libyan army said it had signed a military protocol with Chad to enhance joint border coordination. The agreement includes mechanisms for intelligence-sharing and coordination of ground and air movements, aimed at closing security gaps, preventing armed group infiltration and curbing illicit cross-border activities.
