Libyan coastguards intercept 91 illegal migrants off Garabulli shores

BY Libyan Express Jun 16, 2019 - 14:21 Updated: Jun 16, 2019 - 19:27

Migrants gathered after being rescued by Libyan coastguards.[Photo: Archive-Internet]

Libya’s coast guard has intercepted a dinghy carrying 91 Europe-bound illegal migrants, including women and children, off the country’s Mediterranean coast.

Libyan Navy Spokesman Ayoub Qassim said Sunday that three women and two children were among the African migrants intercepted a day earlier off the coast of the western town of Garabulli, 60 kilometres east of the capital, Tripoli.

“The migrants were given humanitarian and medical aid and then taken to a refugee camp in Tripoli.” Qassim explained.

Libya became a major conduit for African migrants and refugees fleeing to Europe after the 2011 revolution that ousted and killed longtime ruler Moammar Gaddafi, meanwhile; Libyan authorities have stepped up efforts to stem the flow of migrants, with European assistance.

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