Libyan coastguards intercept 122 migrants in three separate operations

BY Libyan Express Aug 06, 2019 - 16:42

Illegal migrants arrive on shore after being rescued by the Libyan coast guard off the coastal town of Tajoura, 15 km east of the capital Tripoli [Photo: AFP-Archive]

The Libyan coastguards have intercepted 122 Europe-bound illegal migrants off the country’s Mediterranean coast in recent days.

Libya’s Navy spokesman Ayoub Qassim said Tuesday that the migrants, including two women and a child, were on three boats and were intercepted in three different operations on Saturday, Sunday and Monday off the coast of the capital, Tripoli.

Qassim added that the migrants were given humanitarian and medical aid before being taken to detention centers in Tripoli.

The Libyan Interior Ministry announced last week that it would shut down three migrants’ detention centers in Al-Khumus, Tajoura and Misurata.

Khalifa Haftar’s forces struck last month Tajoura migrants’ detention center and killed over 53 migrants as well as injured over 132 others.

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