Libyan coast guard vessel fired warning shots during migrant boat chase

An overcrowded migrant boat, right, tries to escape from the Libyan coast guard in the Mediterranean Sea (Sea-Watch.org via AP)

Libyan maritime authorities have acknowledged that a Libyan coast guard vessel fired warning shots at a migrant boat it was chasing in the Mediterranean sea, in an apparent effort to stop it from crossing to Europe.

The Libyan navy issued a statement condemning “any acts that violate local and international standards and laws” and vowing to hold those accountable responsible.