The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has revealed that 1,313 migrants were rescued off Libya’s coast within a single week, as the Central Mediterranean route continues to claim lives and highlight the ongoing migrant crisis.
According to the IOM, the rescues occurred between January 19 and 25, with the migrants being intercepted and returned to Libya. The group included more than 160 women and over 60 children. However, the organization confirmed the tragic recovery of two bodies during the operations.
This latest report adds to the grim statistics for the year. So far in 2025, 1,806 migrants have been intercepted and sent back to Libya, while at least 32 others have lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
Libya remains a major departure point for migrants, especially those from sub-Saharan Africa, fleeing conflict, poverty, and political instability in their home countries. However, the chaos in Libya following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 has turned the country into a hotspot for human trafficking and smuggling networks.
Despite the dangers, many migrants continue to risk overcrowded and unseaworthy boats in hopes of reaching European shores, making the Central Mediterranean one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.
Efforts to address the crisis have been complicated by Libya’s ongoing instability, with calls growing for increased international cooperation to protect migrants and ensure safer migration pathways.