More than 2,000 illicit migrants saved off Libyan coast last week

(MENAFN) Over 2,000 illicit migrants were saved off the Libyan coast and sent back to Libya in last week, stated the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday, Jun. 14. IOM noted: "in the period of June 6-12, 2,083 migrants were rescued or intercepted at sea and returned to Libya." IOM said that thus far in 2021, a number of 12,794 illicit migrants, comprising women and children, have been saved, while 190 lost their lives and 487 were confirmed missing off the Libyan coast on the Central Mediterranean route. Libya has been experiencing insecurity and disorder since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, turning the North African nation into a favored point of departure for illicit migrants who want to traverse the Mediterranean Sea to European coasts.