Libyan coast security forces rescued 113 irregular migrants after intercepting three boats in separate operations north of the city of Sirte, preventing another attempt to cross the Mediterranean toward Europe.
Abdulhafiz Masoud, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Coast Security, said that maritime patrols intercepted the three vessels at different times between 170 and 190 nautical miles north of Sirte.
He confirmed that all those on board were rescued safely, with no injuries or fatalities reported during the operations.
According to Masoud, the migrants were Egyptian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi nationals. Following the rescue, they were transferred to the relevant authorities, where legal procedures will be completed in accordance with Libyan laws governing irregular migration.
The latest operation follows another interception carried out by coast security units, bringing the total number of migrants stopped over the past two days to 197.
Authorities said the migrants had been traveling aboard four separate boats in attempts to leave Libya by sea.
Libya remains one of the main departure points for migrants attempting to reach Europe through the central Mediterranean, one of the world’s busiest and most dangerous migration routes. Human smuggling networks continue to organize crossings using overcrowded and often unseaworthy boats, exposing migrants to significant risks at sea.
In response, Libyan authorities have intensified maritime patrols and coastal surveillance to intercept migrant vessels and combat human smuggling networks operating along the country’s coastline. Coast security units regularly conduct search, rescue, and interception missions aimed at preventing illegal departures and protecting lives at sea.
Officials said the rescued migrants will undergo legal and administrative procedures before any further action is taken under Libya’s immigration regulations. Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing operations against irregular migration and strengthening coordination among security agencies responsible for protecting Libya’s territorial waters.