Tunisia arrests 64 for involvement in illegal immigration

African migrants, who arrived in the country illegally, are seen on the street with their limited sources during the International Migrants Day in Tunis, Tunisia on December 18, 2023. [Yassine Gaidi – Anadolu Agency]

Tunisian authorities yesterday announced the arrest of 64 individuals wanted for having organised and brokered illegal immigration operations.

In a statement, the General Directorate of the Tunisian National Guard (Gendarmerie) said a security operation in Sfax led to the arrests of the individuals who are wanted for their involvement in organising and brokering illegal migration operations, as well as the confiscation of a steel boat.

During the first eight months of 2023 one in three migrants who had entered Europe illegally departed from Tunisia. As a result, the North African country is under increased pressure from the EU to stem the flow of migrants and take control of its coastline.

Read: EU agrees new rules on hosting migrants, and seeks to cut numbers

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