Libya releases 24 Tunisian fishermen

Libyan authorities have released 24 Tunisian fishermen who were arrested late last week. The fishermen were arrested on Friday on board three ships from Sfax and Mahdia, the Head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, Mustafa Abdelkabir, said.

The latest release follows that of six other fishermen on April 5, after more than one month of detention by Libyan authorities, Libya Observer reports.

Despite good ties between the two countries, the oil-rich African country has repeatedly accused Tunisian fishermen of violating its territorial waters without prior permission.

The Libyan Coast Guard patrols are focused on monitoring illegal immigration boats and illegal boats that may smuggle contraband or fuel.