By Hamdi Yildiz

TRIPOLI, Libya

Libyan coast guards rescued 80 undocumented migrants, including 28 women and 11 children, on Friday off the coast of northwestern Libya, local authorities said.

According to a statement issued by the Libyan coast guard, the migrants were located 25 miles from the Mellitah Industrial Complex located in the country's northwest. The migrants, who were from different African countries, were reportedly trying to reach the European coastline.

They were transferred to an asylum center in Tripoli's Tajura district after receiving necessary humanitarian aid.  

According to the Libyan Navy, 16,000 undocumented migrants were rescued in 2017. 

Ever since the collapse of the central authority in Libya in 2011, the country’s northwestern coast has become a hub for illegal migration to Italy and other countries in Europe. 

Libya represents a major transit point for African migrants seeking access to Europe, especially Italy.