Libyan navy rescues 235 illegal immigrants off western coast

Libyan navy spokesman Ayob Qassem on Monday said that coast guards rescued 235 illegal immigrants in separate operations off the country's western coast.

Coast guards managed to rescue the illegal immigrants from different African countries in three operations off the cities of Khoms, some 120 km east of Tripoli, and Zuwara, some 120 km west of Tripoli, Qassem said.

Libya has become a preferred departure point for illegal immigrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean into Europe due to insecurity and chaos in the North African country following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Improved weather conditions have increased the flow of migrant boats from Libya towards Europe, particularly off the country's western coast.