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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