Acts of violence and serious protestsUnited Nations statistics on deaths and migrant numbers
Tripoli, Libya – The aid organization SOS Mediterranee on Monday condemned the increasing threats and harassment of migrants crossing the Mediterranean and the rescue ships assisting them by Libyan groups. Thousands of migrants have died attempting to cross from Africa to Europe via the Mediterranean. The organization helps manage a network of ships and aircraft that monitor the waters.
The organization noted that the central Mediterranean region is becoming increasingly hostile. It also pointed out that the expansion of European countries’ cooperation with Libyan actors in deterring migration has contributed to escalating the situation. The organization reported at least seven incidents in June and October of last year in which boats linked to Libyan actors approached rescue vessels at high speed or pursued them for hours. These boats engaged in chases in international waters.
Acts of violence and serious protests
The organization also noted “a significant increase in the presence of unidentified speedboats linked to various armed groups in Libya.” It stated that these boats “carry out violent interceptions.” They also sometimes deliberately ram boats carrying people in distress. Furthermore, they engage in maneuvers that endanger lives.
It is worth noting that the organization accused the Libyan coast guard last year of attacking its rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, in international waters. It asserted that the coast guard fired 100 rounds at the vessel, endangering its crew and the 87 migrants they had rescued. The organization indicated that it had taken legal action in Italy, France, and Germany regarding the incident. However, “European and national authorities have remained silent,” and “those responsible for the attack have not been identified.” The organization also called for a “full and independent investigation.”
United Nations statistics on deaths and migrant numbers
The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported this month a rise in deaths in the central Mediterranean. This comes despite a decrease in the number of migrants attempting these perilous journeys, due to stricter immigration policies adopted by European countries. The number of dead and missing during the first four months of the year reached 821, a 111% increase compared to the same period in 2025. During the same period, the number of migrants arriving via the Mediterranean fell by 46%, to 8,577.