Tunisia intercepts 2,500 migrants, arrests dozens of smugglers in 4 days

FILE PHOTO: A migrant from Guinea, Paldy Soulima, sits with other migrants in a public garden in Sfax, Tunisia July 13, 2023. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui/File Photo

TUNIS (Reuters) - The Tunisian coastguard said on Tuesday it had intercepted more than 2,500 migrants and arrested dozens of human smugglers following a major crackdown launched last weekend in the coastal region of Sfax, a main departure point for migrants heading to Italy.

The operation, which included hundreds of security forces supported by anti-terrorism units, planes and police dogs, was ordered by President Kais Saied, who cited an "unacceptable influx of migrants".