The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) revealed that more than 270 migrants were rescued near Libya’s Mediterranean shores while on their way to reach Europe.
The rescued migrants were handed over to the Libyan coast guard to be later sent to detention centers, according to the source.
War-torn Libya has been the dominant transit point for thousands of migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa, seeking a new hope in the European continent.
Migrants in Numbers
Last week, over 1,000 migrants were returned in one day off the coast of the North African country attempting a dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea towards Europe.
Thousands of migrants leave Libya yearly towards Europe. Many of them die on the journey.
Since the start of the year, over 10,000 migrants so far have been rescued and returned to Libya in 2021, while at least 180 migrants traveling died.
Hundreds are still missing so far this year.
Many of the migrants also embark by sea from Tunisia, amid serious European concerns over the growing numbers of asylum seekers.
