The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 1,004 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya during the last week of September, according to its latest maritime update.
The operations, which took place from September 21 to 27, 2025, resulted in disembarkations at multiple points along the Libyan coast, including Zwara, Tripoli, Alkhums, and Misrata.
This latest weekly figure contributes to a grim annual total. So far in 2025, **19,264 migrants** have been intercepted and returned to Libya. The IOM’s data breakdown shows that the majority of those returned are men (16,640), alongside 1,720 women and 696 children. The gender data for 208 migrants is not available.
The report also highlights the extreme dangers of the Central Mediterranean route. From January 1 to September 27, 2025, at least **460 deaths** and **423 missing persons** have been recorded, though the IOM notes these figures are estimates and subject to revision.
The situation represents a continuing trend of high migrant interceptions off the Libyan coast. The 2025 numbers to date are already approaching the total for the entire previous year, when 21,762 migrants were returned to Libya in 2024. The figure for 2023 was 17,190.
In a critical disclaimer, the IOM reiterates that it plays no role in the interception operations themselves and, crucially, **”does not consider Libya to be a safe port for migrants.”** The organization emphasizes that its figures are based on initial reports and are regularly updated as more information becomes available.