Muscat International Airport has arrested two Africans for attempting to smuggle a child, also from Africa.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) confirmed the arrest in a statement.

Oman's General Department of Criminal Investigation, in collaboration with Interpol, led the operation, which was part of a broader initiative to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.

The Muscat International Airport authorities were on high alert, which led to the arrest of the suspects.

A statement from the ROP did not specify the age or gender of the child, but stressed the importance of international cooperation.

Human trafficking is defined as a crime committed by a person who, intentionally or for exploitation purposes, employs, transports, harbours, or receives individuals directly or indirectly by coercion, threat, subterfuge, abuse of position or power, exploitation of vulnerability, or any other illegal means.

The involvement of minors in such activities, regardless of the means used, is considered a human trafficking crime.

In accordance with Articles 2 and 8 of the Law on Combating Human Trafficking, the accused individuals face severe penalties if convicted, including imprisonment up to seven years and fines of up to OMR100,000 (about 194,000).