39 illegal immigrants rescued off Tunisia

Tunisian navy rescued 39 illegal immigrants of different African nationalities off the coast of the southeastern province of Sfax, National Guard Spokesman Houcemeddine Jbabli said Sunday, reported Xinhua.

"The rescue operation took place late Saturday night off the coast of the Louata in Sfax," Jbabli said on his Facebook page.

During the rescue, a National Guard unit officer was assaulted by an immigrant with a stone, which injured his chin, he added.

Tunisia, located in the central Mediterranean, is one of the main points of access to Europe used by illegal immigrants.

Attempts of illegal immigration from the Tunisian coasts toward Italy usually multiply during summer because of favorable weather conditions.