Algerian and Mauritanian authorities have intercepted or rescued more than 500 irregular migrants attempting to cross treacherous Atlantic and Mediterranean waters toward Europe.
Algeria’s Defense Ministry confirmed Wednesday that its coast guard thwarted 223 migrants traveling on traditional boats along its northern coastline between Aug. 12 and Aug. 18.
Military forces also arrested 211 additional migrants inland, as Algerian Interior Minister Said Sayoud ordered agencies to intensify summer coastal patrols against human smuggling networks.
Most irregular maritime journeys departing from Algeria’s western shores target Spain, while smaller numbers set sail eastward toward the Italian island of Sardinia.
Further south, Mauritanian coast guard vessels rescued a adrift wooden vessel carrying 315 migrants off the northwestern city of Nouadhibou on Wednesday.
The overcrowded boat had sailed from Gambia, carrying vulnerable passengers who were discovered in severe humanitarian distress after spending days navigating open ocean currents.
Officials reported the rescued passengers included 191 Senegalese, 120 Gambians, and one Malian, among them dozens of women, children, and fragile infants.
Mauritania continues to serve as a primary departure corridor for sub-Saharan migrants undertaking dangerous sea crossings toward Spain’s Canary Islands archipelago.
Local authorities stated all rescued passengers received immediate emergency care and were subsequently processed under standard national legal and humanitarian procedures.
