The Tunisian National Guard announced the thwarting of 22 illegal border crossing attempts via the maritime route in the Sfax region, alongside rescuing a significant number of undocumented migrants.
In a statement released by the National Guard, it was revealed that the operations also led to the detention of 10 individuals involved in organizing and facilitating these illegal migration activities.
Legal actions have been taken against those apprehended, and the equipment used in the smuggling operations has been seized.
This intervention highlights the ongoing challenges and risks associated with illegal migration across the Mediterranean, a route frequently used by migrants trying to reach Europe from North Africa.
The Sfax region, a central hub in Tunisia, has become a focal point for illegal maritime migration attempts due to its geographical proximity to the Italian coast.
The Mediterranean route is one of the most perilous, with thousands attempting the crossing each year, driven by factors such as conflict, economic hardship, and political instability in their home countries.
Tunisia’s strategic location has made it a transit point for migrants from various African countries aiming to reach Europe.
The European Union and North African governments have been collaborating to address the root causes of migration and improve maritime security to prevent such perilous journeys.
The efforts by the Tunisian National Guard are part of broader regional strategies to combat human trafficking and ensure the safety of migrants.
Last Friday, Tunisian security authorities cleared several streets in the suburb of “La Marsa,” near the capital, of migrants and their tents, which have been set up for over a year near the offices of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency.
Security forces employed cranes to dismantle the encampments of migrants, who primarily originate from sub-Saharan African countries and have been protesting for over a year to demand regularization of their status and resettlement in a third country.
