Rhino: Agencies – Libyan authorities have dismantled a network involved in human trafficking in a southwestern region of the country and arrested some of its members, Libya’s Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Saturday on its Facebook page.

The statement said authorities arrested the network’s leaders and 10 members for crimes against migrants including murder, illegal detention, torture and rape.

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

Libya descended into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 that 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. Islamic State fighters have also gained a foothold in the country.

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