EU launches naval operation against people smugglers

The European Union has launched a naval operation against peoplesmugglers in the Mediterranean as part of the effort to tackle the flow of migrants from Africa.

The first phase of the operation will focus on surveillance and assessment of the criminal networks behind the boats attempting to make the dangerous crossing, but later stages of the plan could involve direct action against the smugglers.

A United Nations Security Council resolution will be needed before the later stages of the mission can begin.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said: “With this operation, we are targeting the business model of those who benefit from the misery of migrants.

“But it’s only a part of a broader strategy including the cooperation with our partners in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, and the work with the International Organisation for Migration and the UNHCR.”

She continued: “As EU, we are determined to contribute to save lives, dismantle the networks of the smugglers of human beings and address the root causes of migration.”

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said: “It will be a phased operation and of course we need United Nations Security Council resolutions to commence later phases of the operation but the early phases will begin immediately.”

Speaking at a Luxembourg meeting of European foreign ministers, Mr Hammond said the plan would also involve working with African countries to “stop the pressures that are driving this wave of migration towards Europe”.

The second stage of the EU operation will allow for the search and seizure of suspicious vessels, while the third phase would permit the “disposal of vessels and related assets, preferably before use” and to “apprehend traffickers and smugglers”.