Libya prevents 250 irregular migrants from leaving country

TRIPOLI

Libya has prevented 250 irregular migrants from leaving the country, the Libyan Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said on Sunday.

Four suspects connected with an international human smuggling network were nabbed as part of the operation, the office said in a statement.

The 250 irregular migrants were about to be taken out of the country by sea for obtaining financial benefits.

Operations against irregular migration in Libya gained momentum after at least 79 irregular migrants died when their boat capsized and sank off the coast of southwestern Greece on June 14.

Libya is considered a main transit point for migrants on their way to Europe seeking a better life.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar