The global Organisation for Migration (IOM) has reported that this year the Libyan Coast defender has already turned back over 12 000 migrants trying to scope Europe. Among the detainees, the majority are men - 10,653 people. In the first week of July, 415 people were intercepted and sent to Libya.
According to the latest IOM data, 1136 women and 404 children were returned in addition to men. The sex of the remaining 145 people failed to determine. The organisation stresses that these figures relate only to officially recorded cases.
In a weekly report, IOM indicated that from 6 to 12 July the Libyan Coast defender had intercepted and sent 415 migrants away. This shows the scale of the problem and the strength of the action on this migration route.
New way through the Mediterranean
Migrants coming mainly from Africa, but besides from the mediate East and Asia, are trying to get from Libya to the confederate islands of Greece. Their main goal is primarily Crete, which has become a fresh destination.
The way changed after Athens reinforced patrols along the sea border with Turkey. As a result, human traffickers were forced to change their way on a longer and more dangerous road across the Mediterranean.
Increase in migrants to Greece
Last year more than 60,000 migrants reached Greece, compared with around 48,000 in 2023. By mid-June 2025, Athens had recorded 16,290 visitors, of which nearly 15,000 had just chosen the sea road.
Statistics show a clear upward trend in the number of people trying to get to Europe through this route. Most of them presently choose a dangerous sea way alternatively of a previously popular road through Turkey.
Greek consequence to the crisis
In view of the increase in the number of crossings from Libya to Crete, Greece has late dispatched warships to global waters in the region. According to the Greek authorities, it is "to send a message to migrants smugglers".
These actions aim to deter illegal crossing organisers and increase safety on this dangerous migration route.
(PAP) Note: This article was edited with Artificial Intelligence.
