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1.2k migrants intercepted by Libyan Coast Guards in 2019: UNHCR

A total of 1,287 migrants were intercepted by the Libyan Coast Guards while crossing the Mediterranean to Europe in 2019, the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) announced Friday.

The UNHCR added that 161 migrants were rescued Friday night, 82 miles northwest of al-Khoms, eastern Tripoli.

The Libyan Maritime Information Office said the migrants reached Saturday morning the Libyan Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority at Khoms Migrant center, where they received medical care.

The clashes in Tripoli between the eastern Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of the National Accord (GNA) have forced many residents to flee their homes due to the shelling and armed attacks on the infrastructure, including schools and homes.

The UNHCR announced on April 30 that 42,000 people have been displaced from Tripoli alongside 345 people who have been killed since the conflict began earlier this month.

Meanwhile, 146 refugees were evacuated on April 29 from Libya to Italy in a joint operation between UNHCR, and Italian and Libyan authorities.

“It’s now crucial that other States match this gesture and offer similar evacuation places for refugees caught up in the conflict. Turning a blind eye will have real and tragic consequences,” said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

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