In Tunisia, operations to combat illegal migration are increasing

In Tunisia operations to combat illegal migration are increasing

While Europeans are worried about the arrival of illegal immigrants on the Italian coasts, Tunisia launched at the same time a new operation to fight illegal migration, Friday September 15, in the Sfax region, in the center of the country.

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With our correspondent in Tunis, Amira Souilem

Helicopters, armored vehicles, men armed from head to toe… The Tunisians stage the operations and relay them on social networks. “ We were able to get our hands on 88 people who were wanted in the Sfax region. We were also able to seize ten iron boats, but also cars and motorcycles », welcomes Houssem Eddine Jebabli, spokesperson for the Tunisian national guard, on national television, involved in the operation

National television also films nationals from sub-Saharan countries apprehended by Tunisian security forces. We see them sitting, cowering, trying to hide their faces… In all, according to official figures, 114 people were arrested and 200 others prevented from going to sea.

It has become a habit now in Tunisia. Kaïs Saïed gives instructions to restore order in Sfax and, in the hours that follow, large-scale operations are put in place to dislodge the sub-Saharan migrants. Faced with a health and security situation which was beginning to deteriorate, the Tunisian security forces intervened again.

Several NGOs denounced this week their inability to access migrants to help them.

Read alsoTunisia: demonstration in Tunis in support of migrants in the country

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