Coast Guard intercepts 550 illegal migrants off Azzawiya shores

Libyan Coast Guard said its personnel haveintercepted about 550 illegal immigrants trying to reach Europe by boat on Tuesday, the second time in three days they have intercepted migrants in the same area.

The western region’s Coast Guard personnel were patrolling off Azzawiya refinery on Tuesday intercepted four large inflatables carrying around 550 illegal migrants,” The Coast Gaurd’s spokesman Ayoub Qasim said.

Those intercepted illegal immigrants were from several African countries and included three children and 30 women, eight of whom are pregnant, added Qasim, pointing out that the migrants have been handed over to the relevant authorities to be taken to detention centres.