Libyan navy rescues 125 immigrants off western coast

Libyan navy on Saturday rescued 125 illegal immigrants off the coast of the western city of Zawiya, some 45 km west of the capital Tripoli.

"A Coast Guard patrol rescued 125 illegal immigrants, including 14 women and 4 children," Navy spokesman Ayob Qassem told Xinhua on Saturday.

"The rescue operation took place 16 miles off the coast of Zawiya, after the (immigrants') boat's engine broke down," Qassem added.

The rescued immigrants were taken to Tripoli naval base. They were provided with medical and humanitarian assistance, and will later be handed over to the anti-illegal immigration department of Tajura in eastern Tripoli, he said.

Libya is a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants wanting to cross the Mediterranean towards European shores, due to the state of insecurity and chaos that followed the 2011 uprising.

Improved weather conditions increase the flow of migrant boats from Libya towards Europe, particularly off western coasts.