TRIPOLI, Apr 30 (NNN-IRIN) – The Libyan Coast Guard, yesterday, rescued 99 illegal immigrants, off the western coast of the town of Mellitah, some 70 km west of the capital, Tripoli, as their boat was about to sink.
On Wednesday, another 108 illegal immigrants were rescued, off the country’s western coast.
Libya is a preferred point of departure for thousands of illegal immigrants, who attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea towards Europe.
Over 6,000 illegal immigrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast so far this year, including women and children, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The rescued were sent to overcrowded reception centres, across Libya, despite repeated international calls for their closure.– NNN-IRIN
