Latest news with #OperationThemis
Libya Review
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Greek Navy Joins EU Push to Stop Migration from Libya
In a decisive move, Greece has deployed two naval frigates to patrol international waters near Libya aimed at thwarting irregular migrant crossings to islands like Crete and Gavdos. According to local media, including Kathimerini, the warships are equipped with advanced sensors and radars to detect vessels linked to smuggler networks operating in the Central Mediterranean. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the deployment following a surge in migrant departures from eastern Libya—many escaping conflict zones such as Sudan and the Middle East—as part of broader efforts to protect national borders and maintain regional stability. Once suspicious boats are spotted, the navy flags the vessels and coordinates with Libyan authorities to intercept them before they enter international search-and-rescue zones. Due to their size, Greek frigates refrain from direct interception, instead acting as deterrents while maintaining constant surveillance. This action aligns with similar EU maritime security initiatives like Frontex's Operation Themis and the naval Operation Irini enforcing the UN arms embargo on Libya. Critics caution that the emphasis on containment may clash with international legal obligations against 'pushbacks,' particularly if migrant vessels are turned back without proper screening or assistance. Experts note the move comes amidst a coordinated strategy: an EU delegation—including migration ministers from Greece, Italy, and Malta—is set to visit Libya in early July to enhance cooperation on migration management. Tags: euGreecelibyamigrants
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Yahoo
Burglars jailed for two years following work by Cumbrian Detectives
The work of detectives in Carlisle has helped the prosecution of two men following burglaries to properties across the North of England between September 2023 and January 2024. Following reports of burglaries to two new-build properties in Carlisle on December 18, 2023, officers launched an investigation. CCTV enquiries were carried out and detectives worked with counterparts in Northumbria Police to trace a vehicle seen leaving the site at the time of the offence. It was established that the vehicle used the commit the offences in Carlisle had been identified by Northumbria Police as being involved in multiple burglaries on New Build Estates where offender would break in and steal items including boilers and white goods. Michael Bell, 34, of Wynyard Street, Seaham, County Durham, and Mark Blaney, 31, Malvern Crescent, also Seaham, both admitted 14 charges of burglary and were jailed for two years on 29 January at Newcastle Crown Court. READ MORE: Fleeing Carlisle shoplifter threw dustbin at police car | News and Star Detective Constable Matthew Owens, OIC for the offences in Cumbria, said: 'We will not tolerate burglars targeting any kind of properties. 'Those who do so can expect to face a police investigation and prosecution. 'We continue to target burglars with Operation Themis. Being burgled can be incredibly traumatic and we are committed to working with communities to bring offenders to justice.' Operation Themis is Cumbria Constabulary's response to and focus on burglaries.
