Yesterday, Tunisian authorities announced that they had foiled 65 illegal immigration attempts and arrested 2,068 people trying to reach the European Bank during the Eid al-Adha holiday.
The Russian agency Sputnik, citing the General Administration of the National Guard in Tunisia, confirmed in a statement on its Facebook page that “the units of the Naval Guard in the center of the region (Sfax, Kerkenna and Mahdia) were able to thwart 47 operations to cross the sea border secretly, and save 1,879 passers-by, 1,858 of them belong to different nationalities.” Sub-Saharan Africa and 21 Tunisians.
He added, “Detachments of the Coast Guard area managed to foil 18 stealth and rescue operations in the east of Tunisia (Naboul, Sousse and Monastir), rescued 189 Tunisian pedestrians, and 14 marine boats, one boat and 3 kayaks (small boats). “
The Tunisian National Guard said “the public prosecutor’s office has authorized legal action against those who passed.” Recently, Tunisia has seen a significant increase in the pace of illegal immigration towards Europe, particularly towards the coast of Italy.
EU leaders discussed a deal with Tunisia on Thursday in Brussels aimed at combating immigration and curbing traffickers’ networks. The European proposal includes €900 million in long-term financing for Tunisia, €150 million in “immediate” spending in the budget and a €105 million package to manage migration.
The EU will help Tunisia strengthen control of its land and sea borders with summer boats, mobile radars, cameras and vehicles. (Tunisia – Al Bayan)
