Tunisian security forces and the National Guard in Ras Jebel, Bizerte governorate, have arrested 12 individuals from sub-Saharan Africa who were preparing to illegally cross the maritime border toward Italy. The arrests took place on July 23, in the Ain Ali forest, located between Raf Raf and Sounine, following intelligence reports, about the presence of foreign nationals planning a clandestine departure. According to a security source, the joint operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks operating in the region.
The detainees, found in possession of passports and belongings wrapped in plastic, confessed to plans of crossing the Mediterranean. Investigations revealed they had been transported in pairs from the capital to a safe house in Sounine by a trafficker who promised them passage to Italy for varying sums of money. With authorisation from the public prosecutor, judicial police have initiated a formal inquiry into the suspected gang behind the operation, while efforts are underway to apprehend other individuals connected to the network and uncover the full extent of the trafficking scheme.