Libya: Nearly 160 migrants rescued in open waters

7 years ago

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At least 158 undocumented migrants have been rescued off Libya’s northwestern coast, the country’s navy said Monday, Anadolu reports.

Immigration European Union – Cartoon [Latuff/MiddleEastMonitor]

In a statement, naval forces affiliated with Libya’s UN-recognized unity government said the migrants were rescued 26 miles off the coast of the northwestern city of Khoms, located east of the capital Tripoli.

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Ever since the collapse of the central authority in Libya in 2011, the country’s northwestern coast has become a hub for illegal migration to Italy and other countries in Europe.

Libya represents a major transit point for African migrants seeking access to Europe, especially Italy.