Almost 1,600 illicit migrants saved off Libyan coast last week

(MENAFN) On Monday, Jun. 21 the International Organization for Migration stated that almost 1,600 illicit migrants were saved off the Libyan coast and sent back to Libya. The organization noted: "in the period of 13-19 June, 1,594 migrants were rescued/intercepted at sea and returned to Libya." The organization said that this year, a total of 14,388 illicit migrants, comprising women and children, have been saved, whereas 194 lost their lives and 492 were reported missing off the Libyan coast on the Central Mediterranean route. Libya has been undergoing insecurity and disorder since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, making Libya a favored point of departure for illicit migrants who want to traverse the Mediterranean Sea to European coasts.