TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A total of 607 migrants attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean were intercepted and returned to Libya between 20 and 26 April, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The figures underscore the continuing scale of irregular migration along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.
Among those intercepted were 534 men, 76 women, and 33 children. The operations took place off the coasts of several Libyan towns, including Misrata, Alkhums, Tripoli, and Zwara. A body was also recovered off Misrata on 25 April, adding to the already grim toll of lives lost at sea.
The largest single interception occurred on 24 April, when 261 migrants—primarily men—were returned to the port of Alkhums. Two days later, another 148 people, including 20 women and five children, were brought back to Tripoli. Smaller operations earlier in the week led to additional returns in Zwara and Sabratha.
So far in 2025, at least 7,227 migrants have been intercepted and returned to Libya. The IOM has also recorded 127 deaths and 180 people missing along the route as of 26 April.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
