Egypt arrests 274 who tried to illegally cross into Libya

File photo of Egyptian soldiers boarding a troop transport helicopter

Egyptian authorities yesterday announced that they had arrested 274 citizens who attempted to illegally cross into Libya.

State-run Middle East News Agency (MENA) said: “The security services in Matrouh Security Directorate, in coordination with border guards, have foiled attempts by 274 people to cross into Libya.”

All those arrested were Egyptian citizens, it added.

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According to the agency, the 274 Egyptians tried to leave the country illegally and enter Libya through the desert in the city of Salloum, noting that all necessary legal measures have been taken against those arrested.

Egypt, the largest Arab country in terms of population, serves as transit country for irregular migration to a number of European countries, especially Greece, Italy and France.

The Libyan authorities have called on Egypt and neighbouring countries to tighten security measures in order to thwart irregular migration, in light of the deteriorating security situation in Libya.

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