TRIPOLI, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Monday that 271 illegal migrants were saved off the coast of Libya during the previous week.
According to the statement issued by the IOM, these migrants, including 25 women and 23 children, were rescued and returned to Libya between September 24 and September 30. Additionally, four deceased bodies were recovered.
The IOM disclosed that a total of 11,736 illegal migrants have been saved and returned to Libya in 2021. Within this period, 925 migrants lost their lives, and 1,168 individuals went missing while attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean route situated near the Libyan coast.
In 2022, Libya has witnessed the rescue and return of 24,684 illegal migrants. Tragically, 529 migrants have died, and 848 individuals have gone missing while attempting to cross the Libyan coast.
Since the overthrow of the regime led by former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, insecurity and chaos have prevailed in Libya. As a result, Libya has emerged as a favored transit point for migrants, particularly Africans, who are seeking to cross the Mediterranean Sea and reach European shores.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
