Libyan navy rescues 91 illegal migrants off western coast

TRIPOLI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Libyan navy on Sunday said it rescued 91 illegal migrants off the country's western coast.

The rescue operation took place 35 miles off the coast of the town of Garrabulli, some 55 km east of capital Tripoli, the navy said.

The rescued migrants included three women and two children, the navy said, adding that the migrants were provided with humanitarian and medical assistance and were taken to a reception center in Tripoli.

Migrant flows from western Libya toward Europe have increased significantly recently, due to improved weather conditions.

Libya is a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants who want to cross the Mediterranean toward Europe, due to the state of insecurity and chaos in the country.