100 illegal immigrants held off Tunisia's coast

The Tunisian navy on Monday intercepted a boat with more than 100 illegal immigrants of different African nationalities, off the eastern coast, according to a statement released by the Defense Ministry, reported Xinhua.

The illegal immigrants, including 30 women and eight children, were arrested while sailing to Italy off the eastern province of Sfax, said the ministry.

The arrested said they sailed on Sunday night from the coast of Sfax, the statement added.

Attempts of illegal immigration from the Tunisian coasts toward Italy have been increasing despite the strict measures taken by the Tunisian authorities to combat the problem.