TUNIS, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia has foiled 88 illegal immigration attempts to cross the Mediterranean to Italy over the past three days, according to a statement by Tunisian National Guard on Thursday.
The statement from its Facebook said Tunisia's maritime guard thwarted these illegal immigration attempts between Oct. 2 and Oct. 4 off the country's coasts and rescued 1,131 illegal immigrants from sinking during the operations.
"Among the illegal immigrants, 543 are of different African nationalities, and the rest are Tunisian nationals," the Facebook message said.
A few weeks ago, Tunisian security authorities launched a security campaign in Sfax, a southeastern province, to address the issue of illegal immigration. This initiative directed by Tunisian President Kais Saied sought to halt the unacceptable surge in illegal immigration.
The campaign comes against the backdrop of Sfax's coast that has become a significant departure point for illegal immigrants attempting to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa.
Situated a mere 80 km from the Tunisian coastline, Lampedusa island is often chosen by immigrants as the first stop for their sea voyages toward Italy. ■
