TRIPOLI, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Libyan navy on Tuesday announced that 60 migrants were rescued off the coast of the western city of Khoms, some 120 km east of the capital Tripoli.

"A report was received by the coast guards about a distress call from a boat of migrants. A search and rescue vessel was sent, and found a rubber boat with 60 migrants of different African nationalities, including a woman," Libyan Navy Spokesman Ayob Qassem said in a statement.

The rescue operation took place some 92 miles (148 km) off Khoms coast, the statement said, adding the migrants were provided with medical and humanitarian assistance and taken to a reception center in the city.

Migrant flows from western Libya toward Europe have increased significantly during the past few days because of improved weather conditions.

Libya is a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants who want to cross the Mediterranean toward Europe because of the insecurity and chaos in the North African country.