Libyan coast guards rescue 324 migrants in open water

By Hamdi Yıldız

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) – Libyan coast guards rescued 324 migrants, including 35 women and 16 children, on Monday off the coast of northwestern Libya, local authorities said.

According to a statement issued by the Libyan coast guard, the migrants were located seven miles from the town of Zuwara. The migrants were reportedly trying to reach the European coastline.

According to the Libyan Navy, 16,000 migrants were rescued in 2017.

Ever since the collapse of the central authority in Libya in 2011, the country’s northwestern coast has become a hub for irregular migration to Italy and other countries in Europe.

Libya represents a major transit point for African migrants seeking access to Europe, especially Italy.