Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou has highlighted the challenges Cyprus faces with an emerging smuggling route from Lebanon to Europe, fueled by social media promotions. To combat this trend, Cyprus emphasizes the need for increased cooperation with Lebanon, facing maritime challenges and strained resources in managing migrant arrivals and returns.
Lebanon is ramping up efforts to combat human smuggling by intensifying surveillance and cooperation with the EU. Plans include redesignating parts of Syria as safe and preparing for various migration scenarios, with an evaluation set to take place at the upcoming European Council meeting.
Three suspects were apprehended at the Green Line in Cyprus for their alleged involvement in human smuggling after attempting to evade authorities in a dramatic chase that ended in a crash. The trio, aged 30, 28, and 24, now face legal proceedings as investigations into the smuggling operation continue, highlighting ongoing concerns about border security in the region.
A humanitarian crisis arose in Cyprus as 147 migrants arrived from Lebanon, paying $2,500 each for a perilous journey across the Mediterranean. Local authorities detained the boat drivers, sparking debates on human smuggling and the complexities of forced migration.
