Tunisian authorities have been dismantling camps housing undocumented sub-Saharan African migrants in the El Amra area near the eastern port city of Sfax, private radio station Mosaique FM reported on Saturday.

The radio, citing National Guard Spokesman Houcemeddine Jbabli, said the operation, which has been ongoing for three days, involved regional officials, security forces, Red Crescent teams, and health services.

Sanitary operations were conducted immediately after the camps were cleared to mitigate health and environmental risks, Jbabli added.

The spokesman estimated that around 20,000 undocumented migrants were concentrated in the El Amra and nearby Jebniana areas of Sfax province, a region that has become a primary departure point for people attempting perilous sea crossings to Italy.

Jbabli noted that many of the migrants are victims of human trafficking networks.

Authorities are coordinating with international migration organizations to facilitate the voluntary return of migrants to their home countries, according to Jbabli.

He confirmed the dismantling operation was ongoing and that repatriation plans were proceeding under the daily supervision of President Kais Saied.

Tunisia, situated in the central Mediterranean, faces pressure as a major transit point for migrants and refugees from Africa and the Middle East seeking to reach Europe, often embarking on dangerous boat journeys towards the Italian island of Lampedusa.