Vessel with military vehicles redirected to Misurata

A Panama-flagged cargo ship reportedly carrying hundreds of military armoured vehicles en route to eastern Libya was intercepted in Greece before being allowed to continue its journey to the western port of Misurata, according to a detailed investigation by the Greek newspaper To Vima.

The vessel, named AYA1, departed from Jebel Ali port in Dubai after arriving from India. On its way to Libya, it was initially stopped by a Dutch frigate operating under the European Union’s Operation IRINI, the naval mission tasked with enforcing the UN arms embargo on Libya. Control of the ship was later transferred to the Italian navy frigate ITS Morosini, which escorted it to the Greek port of Astakos.

Upon arrival, the vessel was detained and searched. Although the cargo manifest listed cosmetics, cigarettes and electronic goods, initial inspections reportedly uncovered over 350 armoured vehicles and other military equipment on board.

According to To Vima, the ship was initially destined for territories controlled by General Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya. However, after diplomatic intervention by Greece’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs—and following the personal involvement of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis—the vessel was eventually cleared to depart.

The ship arrived in Misrata between 30 and 31 July, according to the report. While the exact details of the cargo remain undisclosed, the incident raises fresh concerns about ongoing violations of the arms embargo and the role of international actors in Libya’s conflict.

The EU’s Operation IRINI has previously intercepted similar shipments, including vessels transporting armoured vehicles and other weaponry to Libyan ports.

As of now, there has been no official comment from Libyan authorities or confirmation from international organisations regarding the final recipient of the cargo.