Action Initiated Against Human Traffickers Involved in Mauritania Boat Tragedy, Key Developments Made

Mauritania: Authorities have initiated action against the human traffickers involved in the tragic boat incident off the coast of Mauritania, with significant developments being reported.

Interpol has issued red notices for 15 human traffickers involved in the boat disaster, who were hiding in Libya, Greece, and Mauritania. These suspects are now being pursued by teams from various countries, including Libya, Greece, and Morocco, as the investigation continues.

In a related development, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a suspect, Ansar, involved in the human trafficking ring during the investigation of the boat tragedy. Ansar had charged a Pakistani man named Ameer 5.4 million rupees to send him to Spain, but Ameer survived the Mauritania boat disaster. Additionally, FIA teams conducted operations in Faisalabad and Sahiwal, leading to the arrest of three more human traffickers.

**Incident Background:**
On December 16, a boat carrying illegal migrants sank off the coast of Mauritania while heading to Spain, resulting in the deaths of 50 individuals, including 44 Pakistanis. The boat had departed from Mauritania on January 2, with 86 migrants aboard, including 66 Pakistanis. Of those, 36 individuals were rescued.

Among the 44 Pakistani victims, 12 hailed from Gujarat, while others came from Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin. In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the dispatch of a government team to Morocco to assist in the ongoing investigations. The team includes Additional Director General of FIA North, Munir Marth, Additional Secretary of Interior Salman Choudhry, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Bureau.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking and the need for continued international cooperation to address this dangerous crime.