TRIPOLI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Libyan navy rescued 269 illegal immigrants in two separate operations in western Libya, the navy spokesman told Xinhua on Friday.
"The first operation rescued 182 immigrants who were on two rubber boats, including nine women and two children," Ayob Qassem said.
The operation took place some 55 km east of the capital Tripoli, Qassem added.
The second operation rescued 87 immigrants on a broken rubber boat, the spokesman noted.
The UN Higher Commission of Refugees (UNHCR) said on Thursday that more than 100 illegal immigrants were missing off Libya's western coast, while 140 others have been rescued.
"If estimated figures are correct, this is the largest loss of life in the central Mediterranean in 2019," UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said.
Because of the insecurity and chaos in the North African country, Libya is a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants who want to cross the Mediterranean toward Europe, many of whom drown on the way.
