The number of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya has risen sharply over the past year. This is according to figures from the United Nations.

Until December 14, the Libyan Coast Guard has intercepted 30,990 migrants and returned them to Libya. That is a nearly threefold increase compared to 2020, when it involved about 12,000 people.

In addition, more than 1,300 people were reported dead or missing. That is also a strong increase compared to 2020.

Libya has become one of the busiest transit routes to Europe in recent years.