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Tunisia Dismantles Human Trafficking Network Facilitating African Migration to Sfax City

African migrants resort to the coast of Tunisia to cross from there to the shores of Europe. (AFP)
African migrants resort to the coast of Tunisia to cross from there to the shores of Europe. (AFP)
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Tunisia Dismantles Human Trafficking Network Facilitating African Migration to Sfax City

African migrants resort to the coast of Tunisia to cross from there to the shores of Europe. (AFP)
African migrants resort to the coast of Tunisia to cross from there to the shores of Europe. (AFP)

Tunisia successfully dismantled an international human trafficking network dedicated to smuggling African migrants into Italy, announced the Tunisian National Guard on Sunday.

The operation led to the apprehension of four individuals, one of whom was sought in common law cases.

"This network facilitates the passage of individuals from various African nationalities into Tunisian territory through the western land border with neighboring Algeria, subsequently providing transport and shelter for their illicit immigration attempts towards Italy," the Tunisian National Guard explained.

The Tunisian Public Prosecution, following a thorough review, issued judicial permits for their detention and referral to the Tunisian judiciary, accompanied by prison warrants and the confiscation of their transportation means.

In November, the Tunisian Ministry of Interior exposed another human trafficking network involved in smuggling migrants of sub-Saharan African nationalities into Sfax. The International Organization for Migration identified the coastline of Sfax as a significant departure point for those seeking refuge in Italy.

Thousands of migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa have flocked into the city since last summer, prompting concerns about potential shifts in migration patterns impacting Tunisia's demographic composition.

The Tunisian National Observatory on Migration (ONM) raised alarm over the escalating figures of illegal migration in the Mediterranean Sea.

According to the Italian Ministry of Interior, over 151,000 irregular migrants of various nationalities, including 11% Tunisians, arrived in Italy from the beginning of the year until the end of November.

In response to the escalating issue, the European Union and Tunisia inked a memorandum of understanding in July, establishing a "strategic and comprehensive partnership" covering irregular migration, economic development, and renewable energy.

Under the memorandum, Tunisia was offered 105 million euros to bolster measures addressing irregular migration and an additional 150 million euros in support of its budgetary requirements.

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Iran's Foreign Ministry: Evacuation of Advisors from Syria Was a Responsible Decision

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei (Archive photo – MEHR)
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei (Archive photo – MEHR)
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Iran's Foreign Ministry: Evacuation of Advisors from Syria Was a Responsible Decision

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei (Archive photo – MEHR)
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei (Archive photo – MEHR)

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iranian advisors were initially deployed to Syria to support the Syrian army in its fight against terrorism and to prevent insecurity from spreading to neighboring countries and the wider region.

He emphasized that the decision to withdraw these advisors was a responsible measure, reflecting the current security, military, and political conditions in Syria and the region.

Baghaei made these remarks in an interview with IRNA, following statements by the Russian president during his annual Direct Line press conference, where he addressed domestic and international issues, including the situations in Ukraine, Syria, and strained relations with the West.

The Russian president had stated: “When armed opposition groups entered Aleppo, there were 30,000 fighters. Previously, our Iranian friends sought our help in Syria. Now, they are seeking help to leave Syria.”

In response, Baghaei emphasized the history of collaboration between Iran and Russia in combating terrorism in Syria. He noted: “It is not unusual for stakeholders in Syria’s developments to present differing narratives about the causes of events and the roles of various actors. However, some recent claims regarding Iran’s advisory role in Syria before the fall of the Damascus regime are not based on accurate information.”

The spokesperson clarified that Iran’s involvement in Syria was based on an official invitation from the country’s legitimate government. Over the years, Iran and Syria worked together effectively to combat terrorism, successfully preventing ISIS from taking root in Syria and Iraq and curbing the spread of terrorism across the region, he remarked.

Baghaei explained that after ISIS was defeated, Iran’s military presence in Syria shifted to an advisory role, aimed at preventing the group’s resurgence, combating terrorism, and strengthening Syria’s military capabilities against Israeli aggression. “This approach has proven successful, as seen in the immediate aftermath of Iranian advisors’ withdrawal, when Israel occupied strategic areas and destroyed critical infrastructure in Syria,” he added.

When asked about the number of Iranians evacuated from Syria, Baghaei clarified that the evacuees included the families of Iranian diplomats, Iranian and non-Iranian pilgrims, and individuals who had traveled to assist Lebanese refugees in Syria. He stressed that all these individuals were flown back to Iran on Iranian planes via Hmeimim Airport, which was used in coordination with Russia as a secondary airport alongside Damascus Airport.

The spokesperson concluded by underlining the strategic significance of Iran-Russia relations across various sectors. He noted that dialogue between the two countries is ongoing at all levels. “We prefer to exchange views and expertise through official channels,” he stated.