International Desk:
The migration flow from Libya to Europe continues unabated. From the beginning of 2025 to August, about 14,554 migrants have been intercepted and returned to the country off the coast of Libya. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that 12,617 of them are men, 1,324 women and 468 children. At the same time, more than 400 people have died at sea and 318 are missing.
On the other hand, about 33,000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far this year, more than 90 percent of whom have set off from Libya. Arrivals from Libya have increased by more than 66 percent compared to 2024. More than 30,000 migrants have reached the shores of Italy in the first six months alone.
According to a recent report by the IOM, 500 migrants were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya between August 10 and 16. Among them were 29 women and 15 children. Of these, 426 are from western Libya, which is under the control of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), and 65 are from eastern Libya, which is under the control of Khalifa Haftar’s forces.
While the risk of crime and violence from criminal gangs is increasing, smuggling from western Libya has recently become more active via the eastern route to Greece. Smugglers have increased the number of trips in favorable weather conditions, which is expected to increase the number of migrants arriving in Europe in the coming weeks.
Humanitarian disaster and diplomatic action Three children recently drowned in the Mediterranean Sea. At the same time, the Libyan coast guard opened fire on the Italian-backed NGO rescue ship ‘Ocean Viking’ during a rescue operation, which has sparked intense criticism in Europe.
To address the crisis, the top leaders of Turkey, Italy and Libya met in Istanbul in early August, where they announced a joint initiative to prevent migration and ensure stability in Libya.