Germany sends frigate to Mediterranean to control arms embargo on Libya

Defence Redefined

29/07/2020

A sensitive mission for about 250 German Marines begins next week: they will have to monitor the arms embargo imposed on Libya. This mission, according to the German News Agency (DPA), could lead to an unexpected event, such as the recent incident with the French frigate that was not given permission to check if a Turkish ship, which was accompanied by warships, was carrying weapons to Libya.

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Germany will send the frigate “Hamburg” to the Mediterranean next week to support the EU Operation “Irini” that monitors compliance with the arms embargo on Libya enforced by the UN.

There are 250 marines on board, who are expected to arrive in their operational area in mid-August. The aim of Operation Irini is to stabilize Libya, the North African country where civil war is raging, as well as to support the political peace process under the auspices of the United Nations. In addition to arms smuggling, this European operation should also prevent oil smuggling.

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Resolving the conflict is important for the European Union, especially because the chaotic conditions in Libya favor trafficking gangs who bring refugees and migrants across the Mediterranean into Europe illegally.

The frigate “Hamburg” has a length of 143 meters and is capable, among other things, for maritime area control. At this time the crew of “Hamburg” should normally be on a research trip in the Indian Ocean so as to travel to Australia. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, this trip has been postponed.

Source: CNA

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