Libya's navy has rescued more than 80 illegal immigrants off the country's coast near Zawiya city.

The navy disclosed on Facebook Monday that the 83 migrants, mainly Africans, had been trying to reach Europe when they were rescued on Saturday, some ten nautical miles north of Mutrad district west of Zawiya.

"A Coast Guard vessel was equipped and moved to the spot after receiving a distress call.. the migrants were disembarked at the Zawiya refinery point and handed over to the competent authorities in Zawiya, the navy said.

It stressed that as part of its humanitarian role, the Anti-Migration Agency would shelter the migrants and follow up on the procedures for their safe deportation to their countries.

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