TUNIS - Tunisian maritime guards rescued 612 undocumented immigrants from foundering boats after foiling several illegal migration attempts off the country's central coast, the Tunisian National Guard said late Monday.

The maritime guards intercepted boats involved in illegal migration attempts to cross the Mediterranean to Italy late Sunday night, rescuing the migrants from sub-Saharan African countries, the National Guard said in a statement.

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During the operation, maritime guards also retrieved 18 bodies of illegal migrants, it added.

The National Guard reaffirmed its commitment to securing land and sea borders against illegal crossings and called for stronger collaborative efforts to combat the issue.

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Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is a major departure point for migrants and refugees seeking to reach Europe through dangerous sea crossings.