Coast Guard units foiled 668 attempts to illegally cross the sea border and prevented 12,459 irregular migrants from sub-Saharan African countries from entering Tunisian soil during the period from September 15 to October 15, the General Directorate of the National Guard reported on Monday.
It pointed out that during the same period, Coast Guard units thwarted 668 irregular sea crossing operations, in which the number of irregular migrants reached 9,580 people (6,094 foreigners and 3,486 of Tunisian nationality) and 346 smugglers and facilitators of irregular migration were arrested.
During the same period, 643 people were apprehended at land borders, 12,459 people from sub-Saharan Africa were prevented from entering the country and 114 smugglers and facilitators were arrested.
It also reported that during the same period, 19 kayaks, 113 boats, 85 dinghies and 182 metal boats were confiscated and destroyed. More than 100 cars, 30 lorries and 76 motorcycles used to transport migrants or identify routes were also confiscated.
Around TND 375,000 and 11,000 euros, as well as other foreign currencies, were also seized during the operation.
The General Directorate of the National Guard added that it continues to work with the military institution and various branches of the Ministry of Interior to enforce the rule of law and protect the borders, in accordance with the President's instructions.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse