Int’l Organization Says 73 Migrants 'Presumed' Dead off Libya Coast

Migrants on a wooden boat are rescued by German NGO Jugend Rettet ship "Juventa" crew in the Mediterranean sea off Libya coast, June 18, 2017. Picture taken on June 18, 2017. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini

Cairo: Khaled Mahmoud

08:32-16 February 2023 AD ـ 26 Rajab 1444 AH

08:31-16 February 2023 AD ـ 26 Rajab 1444 AH

Cairo: Khaled Mahmoud

08:32-16 February 2023 AD ـ 26 Rajab 1444 AH

08:31-16 February 2023 AD ـ 26 Rajab 1444 AH

Int’l Organization Says 73 Migrants 'Presumed' Dead off Libya Coast

At least 73 migrants were missing and presumed dead after their boat sank on Wednesday off the coast of Libya, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

The boat carrying 80 people had departed from Qasr al-Akhyar, east of the capital Tripoli, and was heading to Europe, the IOM said.

The Libyan authorities didn't comment on the matter.

"Seven survivors who made it back to Libyan shores in extremely dire conditions are currently in the hospital," the agency revealed, adding that Libyan rescuers had retrieved 11 bodies.

"Concrete action by states is needed to increase search and rescue capacity, establish clear and safe disembarkation mechanisms as well as safe and regular pathways to migration to reduce dangerous journeys," the IOM said.

The latest tragedy brings the number of deaths on the central Mediterranean route to 130 this year, the IOM stated, calling the situation "intolerable".

According to the agency's Missing Migrants Project, more than 1,450 migrant deaths were recorded on the route in 2022, a fraction of the more than 17,000 deaths and disappearances since 2014.

First Wheat Shipment Since Assad’s Ouster Arrives in Syria’s Latakia

A farmer shows wheat plants at a field in Giza, Egypt April 18, 2025. (Reuters)

16:19-20 April 2025 AD ـ 22 Shawwal 1446 AH

First Wheat Shipment Since Assad’s Ouster Arrives in Syria’s Latakia

A farmer shows wheat plants at a field in Giza, Egypt April 18, 2025. (Reuters)

A ship carrying wheat has arrived in Syria's Latakia port, the first delivery of its kind since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by rebels in December, the government said on Sunday.

Officials of the new government say that while imports of wheat and other basics are not subject to US and UN sanctions, challenges in securing financing for trade deals have deterred global suppliers from selling to Syria.

The Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Borders said in a statement that the ship carried 6,600 tons of wheat. It did not identify the nationality or destination of the boat, but one regional commodity trader told Reuters it was from Russia.

"A step that is considered a clear indication of the start of a new phase of economic recovery in the country," the borders authority said of the shipment, adding that it should pave the way for more arrivals of vital supplies.

Traders say Syria has this year been largely relying on overland imports from neighbors.

Russia and Iran, both major backers of the Assad government, previously provided most of Syria's wheat and oil products but stopped after the opposition triumphed and he fled to Moscow.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government is focused on economic recovery after 14 years of conflict.

Int’l Organization Says 73 Migrants 'Presumed' Dead off Libya Coast

Int’l Organization Says 73 Migrants 'Presumed' Dead off Libya Coast

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First Wheat Shipment Since Assad’s Ouster Arrives in Syria’s Latakia

First Wheat Shipment Since Assad’s Ouster Arrives in Syria’s Latakia

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