Spain detains cargo ship suspected of carrying weapons to Libya

Spanish authorities have detained the cargo vessel Lila Mumbai in the Bay of Ceuta, near the Strait of Gibraltar, on suspicion of transporting military equipment to Libya, which remains under a strict United Nations arms embargo due to ongoing conflict.

According to Spanish media reports, the Liberia-flagged ship, built in 2003, has been anchored in Spanish territorial waters since Wednesday evening, 27 August. The Spanish Civil Guard, supported by its Underwater Activities Unit and customs officials, has launched a detailed inspection of the vessel’s cargo.

The Spanish outlet Europasur reported that authorities are carrying out the inspection with heightened caution and in coordination with the United Nations and the European Union, as part of ongoing efforts to monitor sensitive maritime shipping routes.

The ship’s movements reportedly raised concerns over the potential transport of restricted or military-grade materials to Libya.

Officials confirmed that if weapons or prohibited items are discovered, they will be confiscated immediately, and international agencies will be formally notified. The Lila Mumbai will remain under detention in Spanish waters while investigations continue.

This operation reflects Spain’s wider role in enforcing the international arms embargo on Libya and disrupting weapons smuggling routes through the Mediterranean, one of the world’s most closely monitored maritime corridors.