The EU’s crackdown on people smugglers operating out of Libya is preparing to step up a gear. Member states have approved initial plans to begin
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The EU’s crackdown on people smugglers operating out of Libya is preparing to step up a gear.
Member states have approved initial plans to begin operating at sea.
It is part of the formal process of approval for Phase 2 of the EUNAVFOR operation.
Full approval will allow EU personnel to board, search, seize and divert vessels suspected of human trafficking.
Arrivals continue by sea and shore
The impact of human trafficking is keenly felt on Europe’s mediterranean coast and now further inland.
In Sicily, 131 migrants were rescued from their boat on Saturday and brought to the port of Pozzallo.
Police say nine alleged traffickers were arrested.
Police in Germany say a number of people smugglers have been arrested in the few hours since Berlin re-instated controls at its borders on Sunday.
Two Iraqi nationals have been arrested after a lorry carrying 42 refugees was found on an Austrian motorway.
The men, women and some children are thought to come from Syria and Iraq.