775 migrants intercepted off Libyan coast in past week: IOM

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday said that 775 migrants were intercepted and returned off the coast of Libya in the past week, reported Xinhua.

"From Aug. 4 to 10, 2024, 775 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya," IOM said in a statement.

The migrants include 118 women and 32 children, IOM said, adding that 4 bodies of migrants were recovered off the Libyan coast.

So far this year, a total of 13,323 migrants have been intercepted, while 421 died and 603 others went missing off the Libyan coast, according to IOM data.

Libya has been a major departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, with thousands making the perilous journey each year.