Iran Press/ Africa: "As part of the fight against maritime crime and the protection of human lives, around 5,216 people were rescued, 4,656 of them non-Tunisians," it added.
According to the ministry, the number of undocumented immigrants who attempted to cross the Mediterranean Sea toward the Italian coast, recorded a significant increase during the period from Feb. 1 to 13, due to the improvement of weather conditions.
"A total of 74 illegal immigration attempts were foiled during this period (from Feb. 1 to 13) and 1,991 people were rescued, including 341 Tunisians," said the statement.
Located in the central Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia is one of the most popular transit points for illegal immigration toward Europe.
Although Tunisian authorities have adopted rigorous measures to tackle the problem, illegal immigration attempts from Tunisia to Italy have been on the rise.
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