Somali migrants have reportedly died off the coast of Libya, while others were rescued after a boat carrying them capsized, according to multiple sources.
The migrants most of them young people had travelled to Libya in an attempt to migrate to Europe through irregular routes. However, the exact number of fatalities and the circumstances surrounding the boat’s capsizing remain unclear.
Search operations are reportedly underway to locate those still missing, as Libyan authorities continue investigations into the incident.
The Libyan Coast Guard, in cooperation with officials from migration agencies and United Nations bodies, is also conducting operations to apprehend migrants who have travelled to the country in hopes of crossing into Europe.
Although many Somali migrants have been repatriated from Libya, others reportedly remain trapped in prisons or confined in private houses. Some are reportedly held until their relatives pay money to secure their release and facilitate their departure on migrant boats.
The Mediterranean Sea has recorded numerous migrant deaths this year, with Somalis, Ethiopians, Eritreans and other nationals from conflict-affected countries in Africa and Asia among those attempting the dangerous journey to Europe.
Similar boat tragedies have occurred repeatedly along the Mediterranean migration route, claiming the lives of hundreds of migrants attempting to reach Europe.
The dangerous journey exposes migrants to risks including boat capsizing, drowning, overcrowding, harsh weather conditions and exploitation by human traffickers.
Mustaqbal
