Thousands of migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, transit annually through Maghreb countries in their attempts to reach Europe
The Tunisian navy has rescued 163 irregular migrants from a boat in distress off the city of Sfax, state media reported on Sunday.
Nine women and 16 children were on board the rescued boat, Tunisia’s official news agency TAP reported, citing a Defense Ministry statement.
The rescue took place as part of a joint operation with the Tunisian Coast Guard. 162 of the migrants were Tunisian, while another was of Moroccan nationality, the ministry said.
Sfax, located on the eastern coast of the country, is one of the main departure points for irregular migrants trying to reach Europe.
Tunisian authorities prevent attempts at illegal migration almost daily and arrest hundreds of irregular migrants.
The Maghreb countries: Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, and Morocco, have for years faced attempts by migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, to reach Europe in the hope of a better life. While some of them manage to reach their destination, others, unfortunately, die during their journey.
