The Libyan Maritime Border Service announced the arrest of 541 illegal immigrants of various nationalities heading for European coasts.
Libyan security sources indicated that the migrants set off from the coast of the city of Misrata, noting that the detainees were handed over to the competent authorities to take the necessary measures pending their deportation to their countries.
The UN said the number of migrants and refugees trying to cross the Mediterranean from Libya last year reached 30,990.
