Over 100 illegal immigrants missing off western Libyan coast
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E-mail Xinhua, July 26, 2019
TRIPOLI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Higher Commission of Refugees (UNHCR) on Thursday said that more than 100 illegal immigrants are missing off western Libyan coast.
"Initial reports indicate that over 100 persons may have lost their lives while 140 others have been rescued and disembarked, receiving medical and humanitarian assistance by UNHCR partner IMC (International Medical Corps)," the commission tweeted.
The tragedy took place off the coast of Khoms city, some 120 km east of the capital Tripoli, UNHCR said.
"If estimated figures are correct, this is the largest loss of life in the central Mediterranean in 2019," UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said.
Because of the insecurity and chaos in the North African country, Libya is a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants wanting to cross the Mediterranean toward Europe, many of whom drown on the way.
Improved weather conditions increase the flows of illegal immigrants towards Europe, particularly off western Libyan coast. Enditem
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