Rescued migrants returned to Libya amidst clashes  

More than 50 migrants rescued in Maltese waters have been returned to Tripoli, Libya despite rival clashes in the North-African country, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The migrants, who were rescued by a Maltese commercial vessel from an inflatable boat and handed to the Libyan coast guard, spent hours on a coast guard vessel before disembarking in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, where they have been detained by local authorities.

Five bodies were recovered and seven persons reported missing, IOM said, raising concerns for the welfare of migrants amidst the growing unrest and rival clashes in Tripoli. Hundreds of migrants are fleeing Libya in the wake of the recurring crises, while several European countries have closed their ports to migrant ships under the pretext of curtailing the spread of the coronavirus.

TMP_ 21/04/2020

Photo credit: Shutterstock/El Greco 1973

Photo caption: Malta / Malta 09/30/2015.Panoramic view of Valletta, Malta