Libya intercepts almost 200 Europe-bound migrants at sea
The group, mainly from Africa, received humanitarian and medical aid and were then taken to refugee camps in Tripoli.
Saturday 22 June 2019 14:46, UK
Almost 200 Europe-bound migrants, including women and children, have been intercepted off Libya's Mediterranean coast this week.
The country's coast guard said 39 people in two boats were stopped on Wednesday.
Another 17 in a vessel were intercepted on Thursday, while on Friday, more than 143 migrants in two boats were prevented from continuing their journey.
The group consisted mainly of people from Africa, except eight were from Bangladesh.
They received humanitarian and medical aid and then taken to refugee camps in Tripoli.
Libya became a major conduit for African migrants and refugees fleeing to Europe after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising, that ousted and killed longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi.
With European assistance, Libyan authorities have stepped up efforts to stem the flow of migrants.
UK authorities believe good weather conditions could explain why a record 74 migrants crossed the English Channel in eight boats on 1 June.
In December, Home Secretary Sajid Javid declared a major incident regarding Channel crossings following a spike in migrants attempting to cross into the country by water.