Two boats with over 200 migrants arrived in Cyprus


Oct 23, 2023. Posted by  Balkan Periscope - Hellas

 

Cyprus experienced a surge in arrivals of migrants via sea, as 40 individuals arrived on Saturday, followed by an additional 224 on Sunday, who arrived in two boats carrying 142 and 82 passengers, respectively.

According to information from the interior ministry, the migrants are of Syrian origin and had reached Cyprus from Lebanon. Furthermore, there are reports of a substantial number of individuals planning to travel to Cyprus.

Following the arrivals, authorities launched operations to apprehend the human traffickers involved in their smuggling.

Ten individuals have been located and arrested, and more are being sought by authorities.

The situation has caused significant concern within the interior ministry, given that the regional conditions are intensifying pressures with irregular arrivals of migrants.

The ministry has issued directives, and all relevant agencies are on alert and working in coordination. However, available resources and infrastructure, such as the Pournara reception centre in Kokkinotrimithia and other centres are currently at capacity and only accommodate very few new migrants.

Cyprus-mail

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