The Coast Guard units in the center of the country foiled 14 illegal sea crossings and intercepted and rescued 296 people: 294 from sub-Saharan African countries and two Tunisians.

The General Directorate of the National Guard also reported in a statement on Sunday that their units in Sfax arrested three wanted smugglers and middlemen and seized a metal boat, 6 outboard motors and 4 means of transport used to transport the "crossers".

It said the necessary legal measures had been taken after consultation with the public prosecutor's office.