Tunis: 1,041 illegal sea crossings were thwarted between January 1 and May 31, 2024, compared to 1,001 during the same period in 2023, as part of the fight against irregular migration, according to the Directorate General of the National Guard. In statistics published on Tuesday, it said 30,281 people were prevented, intercepted and rescued during the period, compared with 21,652 in the same period last year. In terms of land crossings, 2598 were thwarted compared to 940 in the same period last year, and 26,619 crossers were prevented from entering the Tunisian territory compared to 7299 in the same period last year. 740 smugglers and middlemen were arrested by the end of May 2024, along with 378 wanted persons, compared to 342 smugglers and middlemen and 176 wanted persons during the same period last year. 462 bodies, including 7 of Tunisians, were recovered during the same period, compared to 714 bodies, including 24 of Tunisians, during the same period in 2023. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse