On its Facebook page, the militia said on Aug. 19 that it had coordinated between the Italian Embassy and Sabratha’s hospital for the delivery of three shipments of medical aid from the Italian government. It said the first shipment had arrived at the hospital.

The role of Italy in the policy was unclear. The Italian foreign ministry denied Rome struck any deal and said “the Italian government doesn’t negotiate with traffickers.”

However, the official integration of the two militias into Serraj’s security forces would allow Italy to work directly with the forces since they would not be considered militias or traffickers but part of the recognized government.

Libya enlists militias to stop migrants