Hellenic Navy frigate YDRA joins EU operation IRINI to enforce Libya embargo

This was announced by the Armed forces General Staff GEETHA.

The frigate "HYDRA" in a European operation
The frigate will remain for a short time at the Crete naval base for preparation at the Naval Prevention Training Center (KENAP), and will then join the "IRINI" operation at the end of May.
The Navy will also develop an organic helicopter, as well as a specially trained team to carry out island operations, the announcement concludes.

Operation "IRINI"

The European Union in stepping up its efforts to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya, thereby contributing to the peace process in the country, launched a new CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy) military operation in the Mediterranean. The Council has adopted a decision launching Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI. IRINI, (Greek for "peace"), will have as its core task the implementation of the UN arms embargo through the use of aerial, satellite and maritime assets. In particular the mission will be able to carry out inspections of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya suspected to be carrying arms or related material to and from Libya in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2292 (2016). As secondary tasks, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI will also:

• monitor and gather information on illicit exports from Libya of petroleum, crude oil and refined petroleum products
• contribute to the capacity building and training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy in law enforcement tasks at sea
• contribute to the disruption of the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks through information gathering and patrolling by planes

IRINI will be led by Rear Admiral Fabio Agostini as EU Operation Commander, and its headquarters will be located in Rome, Italy. The mandate of Operation IRINI will initially last until 31 March 2021, and will be under the close scrutiny of EU Member States, that will exercise political control and strategic direction through the Political and Security Committee (PSC), under the responsibility of the Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.