The Libyan Coast Guard rescued 100 illegal migrants of varying African nationalities, who were on board two wooden and rubber boats, heading towards the European coasts.

The European Commission -the executive branch of the EU- intends to deliver new B-150 patrol vessels to the Libyan Coast Guard, writes The Euro Observer newspaper.

At least 15 migrants died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya’s shores, the country’s coast guard said Tuesday. The deaths come amid a massive crackdown against migrants in the North African country.

The Libyan Coast Guard has confirmed that 18 illegal immigrants have drowned off Al-Zawiya shores.

Italian prosecutors said on Wednesday that they were seeking permission from the foreign ministry to launch a probe into footage showing the Libyan coastguard firing at a boat carrying people across the Mediterranean.

European Union’s Operation IRINI commander, Fabio Agostini, said Europe is ready to train the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy personnel despite political hindrances from counties outside the European Union.

Sea rescue group witnesses Libyan authorities shoot at a crowded boat to stop it from crossing the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.

Some 90 migrants on a boat in distress were reportedly intercepted and returned to Libya over the weekend. The NGO Sea-Watch said Maltese authorities shared the boat’s location with the Libyan coast guard to prevent it from reaching Maltese waters.

More than 270 people were rescued at sea this week after attempting to sail to Europe from Libya.

Around 189 irregular migrants have run away from a disembarking point in Libya.