ROME (BN24) — An Italian humanitarian organization has rescued ten migrants off the Libyan coast, claiming they were thrown into the sea by armed militiamen. The Mediterranea Saving Humans group reported the incident, which occurred around 30 nautical miles north of Tripoli overnight Thursday into Friday.
According to the NGO, the attackers, described as armed men aboard a “military-type” boat, approached their rescue vessel and forcibly pushed the migrants into the rough Mediterranean waters. The group released footage showing the boat, which appeared to be military-like, as it neared the NGO’s vessel. The rescue crew swiftly pulled the migrants from the water, with reports indicating the attackers punched and kicked the individuals before forcing them into the sea.
In recent days, Mediterranea Saving Humans has faced repeated harassment from the Libyan Coast Guard and masked men aboard unmarked speedboats, despite operating in international waters. The group has called attention to the increasingly dangerous environment for humanitarian missions in the region.
Libya remains a primary departure point for migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, often under perilous conditions. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recorded nearly 24,500 deaths or disappearances along the migration route over the past decade, making it one of the deadliest corridors for migrants globally.
The attack on these migrants is the latest example of growing hostility towards humanitarian efforts in the Mediterranean, as both state and non-state actors continue to target vessels attempting to provide aid in the re
