EU extends maritime operation Sophia

The European Union has agreed unanimously to extend its maritime operation in the Mediterranean (Sophia), as per the UN Security Council resolution, which was taken days ago.

The extension decision came on Tuesday and the EU said it was because Sophia will fight human smuggling and will inspect the ships doubted to have weapons onboard to be smuggled illegally into Libya.

The EU decision also tasked Sophia not to intercept ships bringing weapons to the UN-backed Government of National Accord.