TRIPOLI, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Libyan navy said on Tuesday it rescued 116 illegal immigrants off the country's western coast.
The rescue operation was carried out 50 miles off the coast of the city of Zuwara, some 120 km west of the capital Tripoli, said Ayob Qassem, the navy's spokesman.
The rescue operation was done in cooperation between the coast guards and an oil tanker, before taking the immigrants to a reception center.
On Monday, the Libyan navy announced 235 illegal immigrants were rescued in separate operations off the country's western coast.
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.
