Lebanon: Naval force saves 20 Syrians attempting to immigrate illegally by sea

The Lebanese Naval Force on Monday rescued a boat sinking off the coast of Lebanon’s northern city, Tripoli, carrying 20 Syrian nationals attempting to escape the country illegally by sea, Xinhua reported.

According to the Agency, the naval force transported the boat to the shore with the help of the Lebanese Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Lebanese security agencies have stepped up their efforts to combat illegal immigration as an increasing number of Syrian and Palestinian refugees, in addition to Lebanese nationals, attempted over the past few months to leave Lebanon illegally in search of better living in other countries.

Lebanon has been facing an unprecedented financial crisis, plunging over 80 percent of the population into poverty.