An Italian Air Force ATR P-72A aircraft carried out a nearly six-hour-long maritime patrol mission off the eastern coast of Libya, according to flight tracking data reported by Itamil Radar.
The aircraft departed from Souda Air Base on the Greek island of Crete and focused its patrol over the maritime zone stretching between the Libyan cities of Al-Bayda and Tobruk. This marks the third such mission by the same aircraft in recent days.
Unlike the previous patrols, which monitored wider zones, this mission appeared to concentrate specifically on the eastern coastal corridor. After completing its operations, the aircraft flew toward southeastern Crete before returning to its base.
The ongoing surveillance flights reflect a heightened European military presence in the central Mediterranean, particularly amid concerns over irregular migration, maritime security, and regional instability near the Libyan coastline.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
