Greece Deploys Two Frigates and Support Ship Off Libya Amid Surge of Over 800 Migrants, Seeks EU Cooperation

Greece has deployed at least two frigates and a general support warship of the Hellenic Navy in international waters off the coast of Libya as part of efforts to curb increasing illegal migration flows toward the Greek island of Crete. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that these naval vessels are operating preventatively outside Libya's territorial waters to monitor and intercept migrant boats, sending a clear message to human traffickers that they will not control the migration routes. The deployment aims to make it difficult for traffickers to operate and prevent migrant vessels from departing Libyan shores. The Greek government is also seeking cooperation from Libyan authorities, particularly in eastern Libya, to reduce migration flows and has called on the European Union to support its efforts.

This naval operation coincides with a rise in migrant arrivals from northeastern Libya, with over 800 migrants attempting to reach southern Greece within a recent short period. The move also responds to concerns related to the 2019 Turkey-Libya maritime agreement, with Greece emphasizing the need for a strong EU message on this issue. The Greek Security Council (KYSEA) has underscored the importance of collaboration with Libya to stem migration and prevent the establishment of new migration routes from eastern Libya to Crete.