![The Mauritanian national flag in Nouakchott on 2 April 2019 [CARMEN ABD ALI/AFP via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GettyImages-1134978760-scaled-e1630677213776.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
The Mauritanian police said yesterday that they have dismantled a network for smuggling irregular migrants across the Atlantic Ocean.
The network was arrested in the capital, Nouakchott. It includes four foreigners and a Mauritanian national who were arrested while trying to smuggle 28 persons who are of African and Asian descent, according to a statement released by the police.
In December, Interior Minister Mohamed Ahmed Ould Mohamed El-Amin said authorities had dismantled several smuggling and human trafficking networks.
Mauritania is a major crossing point for African migrants, with the city of Nouadhibou – located on the Atlantic coast – becoming a preferred destination for irregular migrants wishing to cross to Europe.
READ: Mauritanian ex-president pleads not guilty to corruption charges