Spain's maritime rescue service says it has saved 123 migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa. The service says it pulled the migrants from 12 different boats intercepted by rescue craft today morning in the Strait of Gibraltar. A crackdown by Libyan authorities and Italy's refusal to let rescue boats dock has made it more difficult for migrants to reach Italy. Human trafficking mafias pack the migrants into small craft unfit for open waters. Over 1,500 people have died so far this year trying to cross the Mediterranean.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 29, 2018 11:48 UTC