Greece has dispatched naval warships and surveillance assets to waters off the Libyan coast as part of efforts to counter a spike in irregular migration across the Central Mediterranean. The move was confirmed by the Greek Ministry of Defense, which described it as a response to rising migrant arrivals on Greek islands and the mainland in recent months.

Coordinated European Maritime Operation

The operation is conducted in coordination with the Hellenic Coast Guard and other European partners, and aims to strengthen maritime security and intercept human smuggling operations. Officials emphasized that the deployment is defensive and in line with international maritime law, though the exact number and type of vessels were not disclosed.

Libya a Key Departure Hub

Libya continues to serve as a primary departure point for migrants and asylum seekers seeking to reach Europe via dangerous sea routes. The United Nations and humanitarian groups have repeatedly raised alarms about conditions in Libyan detention centers and the dangers posed to migrants at sea.

Eastern Mediterranean Tensions Add Complexity

The Greek military initiative unfolds amid lingering geopolitical frictions in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly between Greece and Türkiye. Both nations maintain diverging interests in Libya and the surrounding region, raising the stakes of any naval deployments near its shores.