The refugee camps on the coast in Tunisia are being dismantled.

Authorities claim that more than 20,000 people are sheltered along the coastline, located 161 kilometers away from the Italian islands.

In Tunisia, authorities have begun dismantling dozens of makeshift camps housing African migrants as part of a comprehensive operation aimed at clearing areas along the Mediterranean coastline and reducing tensions with the local population. The camps, located on private property, have long been the scene of violent clashes between refugees and locals in the towns of El Amra and Jebeniana, north of Tunisia's second-largest city, Sfax. Tunisia's National Guard spokesperson, Brigadier General Hossam Eddine Jababli, stated that the operation aims to ensure "health and safety." The spokesperson mentioned that approximately 200 detained refugees came from Sub-Saharan African countries. Authorities also noted that they seized cutting and piercing weapons during the raids and that those suspected of planning violent acts could soon be deported. Previously, officials had claimed that more than 20,000 people were sheltered in camps located near a section of the coastline that is less than 161 kilometers from the Italian islands, which form the outermost borders of the European Union. Tunisian security forces have increased their efforts to prevent refugees from making dangerous sea crossings. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), 432 migrants who set off from Tunisian shores reached Italy by the end of February. The existence of the camps has long concerned local communities and lawmakers. Lawmaker Tarek Mahdi stated in an interview with a local radio that there are 17 camps in El Amra, where residents have organized protests. Since the dismantling of the camps, officials have reported relocating migrants to state-owned land in Mellouli, southwest of Sfax. Spokesperson Jababli confirmed that the Tunisian government is cooperating with international migration organizations to facilitate the return of refugees wishing to go back to their countries. Addressing concerns about the dismantling of the camps, Tunisian President Kais Saied stated in remarks to reporters on Sunday that the operation was carried out peacefully and without violence or coercion. Saied added that the actions are progressing in line with moral and humanitarian principles and that the removal of the camps prevents the violation of private property.