On Sunday, the European Union appointed Italian Rear Admiral, Valentino Rinaldi as the new Commander of Operation IRINI (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI).
In a statement, the EU-led naval mission said that Rinaldi “took over tactical command of the European Naval Force operating in the central Mediterranean, succeeding Greek Rear Admiral Stylianos A. Dimopoulos.”
The change of command ceremony took place on board the Greek frigate, HS LIMNOS in Taranto naval base.
“The ceremony was chaired by the Commander of the Operation, Rear Admiral Stefano Turchetto, who thanked Rear Admiral Dimopoulos for his commitment and dedication,” the naval mission said.
“The Force Commanders, with their respective staff, are assigned on a six-month rotation from Italy and Greece. The same nations are also providing the Flagship, where the Force Headquarters are based,” it added.
Launched on 31 March 2020, Operation IRINI is tasked with enforcing the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. Since its launch, IRINI has carried out checks and queries on almost 9,000 merchant vessels, inspected 25 suspect vessels at sea, and on three occasions, seized their cargoes for violating the UN embargo. On the whole, IRINI units found and seized around 150 armoured vehicles or modified them for military use.
The Operation has reached three years of activity. Hundreds of women and men from 23 European nations have contributed daily, with their tireless commitment to the European Common Security and Defence Policy for lasting peace in Libya.
IRINI remains the only actor committed to enforcing the UN resolutions on the arms embargo on Libya, integrating international efforts to stabilize the North African country.
The EU Council recently extended the mandate of IRINI by two years, an important confirmation that takes into account the remarkable results achieved so far by the military operation.