The Internal Security Forces' Information Branch managed to thwart an illegal immigration operation, resulting in the rescue of 231 individuals. As part of its ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration from Lebanon to European countries via northern Lebanese shores, this operation was carried out using unsafe vessels, several of which have previously capsized at sea, leading to the deaths of illegal migrants on board.
As a result of the diligent efforts of the specialized units within the Information Branch, information was obtained about an unknown group preparing for a human smuggling operation by sea from the north to Italy, using boats that would set sail from the coast of Selata, in exchange for sums ranging between 6,000 and 7,000 US dollars per migrant.
Following this, orders were given to the specialized units in the branch to intensify patrols in order to thwart the immigration attempt.
On the morning of July 8, 2023, after careful observation and monitoring, the Information Branch executed two simultaneous operations in the areas of the Miniyeh - Dinniyeh Highway and the Al-Minhara Highway, resulting in the following:
- **Miniyeh - Dinniyeh Highway**: The branch's patrols detained 111 individuals of Syrian nationality, including children and women, in two "pick-up" vehicles, driven by a person identified as A.F. (20 years old) and accompanied by S.M. (born in 1989, Lebanese), and M.R. (born in 1993, Lebanese).
- **Al-Minhara Highway**: The branch's patrols detained 120 individuals of Syrian nationality, including children and women, in two "pick-up" vehicles, driven by a person identified as M.B. (born in 1986, Lebanese), accompanied by T.H. (born in 1990, Lebanese), and M.S. (born in 1989, Lebanese).
The branch observed that what occurred during the early hours of the mentioned date was not merely a significant arrest operation carried out by the Internal Security Forces’ Information Branch, but rather a humanitarian mission that saved the lives of 231 illegal migrants who were about to face an unknown fate at sea.
