EU Plan to Combat Migrant Smuggling Networks 'on Libyan Soil'

The British newspaper The Guardian reports that in the European Union's plans to combat smuggling networks transporting migrants out of Libya, the possibility of ground operations within Libyan territory has also been considered. In a report published on Wednesday, May 13, it claims to have obtained a 19-page European plan regarding a military campaign against these smuggling networks, which focuses on air and naval operations in the Mediterranean and Libyan waters. However, this plan also considers the possibility of ground operations in Libya to eliminate the ships and assets of smugglers, including fuel trucks, and speaks of its necessity. This plan, which is expected to be approved at the upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers next Monday, states: 'If an agreement is reached among the relevant authorities, the presence of ground forces could also be part of the options.' Another part of the EU plan states: 'Such operations require extensive air, sea, and ground capabilities, including intelligence and reconnaissance groups, resettlement groups, patrol units (air and sea), vehicles capable of operating on land and water, the ability to destroy targets in air, sea, and land, as well as special forces units.' In recent years, Libyan shores have become a hub for traffickers who transport illegal migrants by boat to Europe, with Italy often being the destination for these boats. Italian government officials have previously stated that they are monitoring the traffickers and their boats, and if the EU wishes, Rome can take command of military operations against the traffickers. The plan revealed by The Guardian shows that the EU is even considering operations within Libyan territory and along its coasts and ports. Previously, reports had been published regarding a 10-point EU plan to combat migrant smuggling to Europe, which also includes provisions for the rapid return of illegal migrants. In this context, migrant fatalities in 2015 are likely to reach '30,000.' Europe has allocated more aid to address the migrant issue, with 5,800 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean. The European Commission's plan for distributing refugees among various countries on the continent.