Tunisia struggles to stem wave of illegal immigration

Tunisian security services launch a security operation in Sfax province in an effort to stem the flow of illegal immigration. (Source: Getty)

Tunisia's official TAP news agency said the security operation was carried out on the orders of President Kais Saied, with the aim of stemming the unacceptable wave of illegal immigration.

As part of this security operation, Kerkennah Island in Sfax province witnessed an aerial operation on September 16 involving several special security units and rapid intervention teams.

Tunisian security services launched the new operation as the coast of Sfax province has become the main departure point for illegal immigrants trying to sneak into the Italian island of Lampedusa.

Lampedusa Island is often chosen by illegal immigrants as the first stop on their sea journey to Italy, only about 80 km from the coast of Tunisia.

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Tunisia is one of the most popular transit points for illegal immigration into Europe. The number of migrants trying to reach Italy via Tunisia is increasing, despite the strict measures taken by the Tunisian authorities to combat illegal immigration.