Libyan coastguard intercepts 500 migrants in latest clampdown
Al Jazeera
Libya has intensified sea interceptions amid a surge in attempts by migrants and refugees to reach Europe.
Libya’s coastguard has intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 500 Europe-bound migrants and refugees, the United Nations refugee agency said, two days after Tripoli detained 4,000 people in a massive crackdown.
The boat was intercepted on Sunday and people were disembarked at an oil refinery point in the western town of Zawiya, a major launching point for migrants and refugees, according to UNHCR. Among them were Sudanese, Somalis, Bangladeshi and Syrian nationals.
The sea interception marked the latest such interventions amid a surge in crossings and attempted crossings from the North African nation to European shores in recent months.
