Operation Irini, the EU-led mission tasked with enforcing the UN arms embargo on Libya, reported inspecting 401 commercial ships via radio calls and tracking 44 suspicious flights to Libya in December 2023.
Launched in March 2020, Irini operates in the central Mediterranean under the command of Admiral Valentino Rinaldi. The mission has confiscated shipments violating the embargo on three occasions, redirecting the vessels to EU ports, according to the Italian news agency Nova.
The UN Security Council extended the mandate for enforcing the arms embargo in May 2023 through Resolution 2733. The resolution authorises member states to inspect vessels suspected of violating UN sanctions in international waters off Libya’s coast.
Nine council members, including the UK, US, France, and Japan, supported the renewal, reflecting continued international commitment to stabilising Libya and curbing arms trafficking in the region.
In November, IRINI reported identifying 50 suspicious flights headed to Libya.
In addition to its aerial surveillance, Irini monitored 16,760 vessels in the Mediterranean during the same period. It conducted wireless investigations with 580 commercial ships and carried out 30 onboard inspections after securing the captains’ consent.
Launched on 31 March 2020, Irini aims to enforce the arms embargo on Libya, established after the 2019 Tripoli conflict. Operating under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, the mission utilises naval and aerial assets, as well as satellite systems, to ensure compliance.
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.
