TUNIS, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Conflict broke out on Thursday in Tunisia's southwestern province of Kebili between security forces and a group of youths, whose relatives died in the sinking of an illegal immigrant boat off the central province of Sfax.

The protesters set fire to the headquarters of local government and the residence of officials, apart from blocking the main road linking Kebili to the neighboring province of Tozeur, according to local sources.

The military forces have been dispatched to the scene to protect public institutions and properties and the situation has gradually calmed down.

On Monday, a Tunisian naval vessel struck a boat carrying young illegal immigrants 54 km from the Island of Kerkennah in Sfax, leaving eight dead and 40 missing.

Up to 1,400 illegal immigrants from Tunisia have reached Europe since the beginning of this year, according to the International Organization for Migration. Enditem

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