The Libyan Zuwara Naval Operations Force conducted a rescue mission near the Tunisian border on Tuesday, saving 35 migrants. The operation, which took place in the western town of Zuwara, was carried out under the control of the Tripoli-based government. The rescued migrants included five women and a child, according to the Naval authority.

Footage released by the force showed the migrants being rescued on boats and receiving treatment on land. This incident highlights the ongoing migrant crisis in the region, with Libya serving as a primary transit point for individuals fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East.

The recent rescue mission comes on the heels of a tragic incident on Sunday, in which a boat carrying Sudanese refugees caught fire and sank off Libya’s coast, resulting in at least 50 deaths, according to the International Organization for Migration. The Missing Migrants Project, run by the IOM, reports that at least 434 migrants have been reported dead and 611 missing off Libya’s coast in the past eight months.

Libya’s strategic location has made it a key crossing point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. The country’s instability and lack of effective border control have contributed to the high number of migrant-related incidents and fatalities. The International Organization for Migration and other humanitarian groups have been working to provide assistance to migrants and advocate for safer and more regulated migration pathways.

The latest rescue mission and the tragic incident on Sunday underscore the need for continued international attention and support to address the migrant crisis in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of migrants and to work towards finding durable solutions to this complex issue. The international community must remain committed to providing humanitarian aid and supporting efforts to strengthen migration management in Libya and beyond.