48 rescued as migrant boat sank during an illegal smuggling operation

The Army Command – Directorate of Orientation issued the following statement:

On 23/04/2022, the Navy Forces managed up now to rescue 48 individuals and retrieve the body of a dead girl who were on board a boat that sank while trying to illegally smuggle them out, off Qalamoun coast – North, as a result of water leakage due to the high waves and the boat’s overload.

The naval forces, with the support of Air Forces helicopters and a Cessna aircraft, tried to tow the boat and rescue most of those on board. First aid was provided to them and the injured ones were transferred to the nearest hospitals, while the forces continue their operations by land, sea and air to rescue others who remain missing.

The citizen (R.M.A.) was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the smuggling operation.

The arrestee was turned in to the competent judicial authorities.