Greece will deploy two frigates and one support vessel off Libya’s territorial waters.
This move, announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday, aims to deter migrants from reaching its southern islands of Crete and Gavdos.
Mitsotakis stated that while the specific role of the vessels was not elaborated, the deployment would be coordinated with Libyan authorities and other European forces in the area.
The decision follows a recent surge in sea arrivals from northeastern Libya, with over 800 migrants attempting to reach Greece’s southern islands since Thursday.
These migrants mainly hail from the Middle East and North Africa, including war-torn Sudan.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the deployment is a preventative measure to “send a message that traffickers will not command who enters our country.”
The issue was discussed during a national security and defense council meeting on Sunday, highlighting the alarming situation.
Government officials indicated the three ships are expected to leave Greece in the coming days.
Greece has long been a key entry point to the European Union for migrants and refugees.
While flows from Turkey have significantly decreased since 2015, Greece has observed a rise in arrivals from Libya, including Sudanese, Egyptian, and Bangladeshi nationals.
The deployment also comes amidst ongoing efforts by Greece and Libya to improve their strained relations, which have been impacted by a 2019 maritime accord signed between the Libyan government and Turkey.
This accord has been a point of contention and is seen by Greece as infringing on its maritime claims.
