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Libya Review
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Greece to Train Libyan Army Officers To Combat Illegal Migration
Greece is set to provide specialised training for officers of the Libyan National Army (LNA) to enhance efforts in combating illegal migration. The first group of LNA personnel is expected to arrive in Greece soon under a newly concluded bilateral agreement. The deal was finalised following a meeting between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and LNA Commander-in-Chief Khalifa Haftar, who controls eastern Libya. This agreement signals an improvement in relations between Athens and Benghazi after a period of diplomatic tensions. Under the programme, Greek authorities will train Libyan coast guard units in visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) tactics for vessels suspected of human trafficking. The training will also cover search and rescue operations, reflecting the increasing number of migrant crossings from Libya towards Crete. Haftar has also requested additional support from Greece, including the repair of ageing coast guard ships and the provision of multipurpose patrol vehicles. These resources are aimed at securing Libya's long borders with Egypt and Sudan, which remain key transit routes for migrants attempting to reach Europe. A recent surge in migrant arrivals on Crete has put pressure on Greek authorities. In response, the Greek government has tightened asylum rules, with new arrivals from Libya being detained rather than accommodated in open reception centres. By supporting the LNA, Athens aims not only to stem migrant flows but also to counter the Turkish-Libyan maritime agreement signed by the Tripoli-based government. Greek officials reaffirmed their right to conduct oil and gas exploration south of Crete, citing Chevron's ongoing operations in the area as proof of international backing. Tags: Coast guardGreecelibyaLibyan armyLNAMediterraneanmigration
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Third Navy destroyer heads to southern waters as administration strengthens maritime border security
The Navy on Friday announced a third destroyer is being sent to the southern border to aid in the ongoing efforts to patrol the U.S.-Mexico boundary in an effort to curb illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Navy officials said the USS Cole, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has departed Mayport, Florida, to support southern border operations. Earlier this year, the USS Spurance deployed from its homeport of San Diego, and the USS Gravely deployed from its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia. Both vessels are currently sailing in waters on either side of Mexico, with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) team on board. Together, the crews will work closely with the Coast Guard to intercept drug trafficking operations. Navy Deploys Another Houthi-fighting Warship To New Us Southern Border Mission The Cole will take over duties from the Gravely and commence similar operations in support of U.S. Northern Command's (NORTHCOM) border security objectives, the Navy said. Read On The Fox News App The Gravely entered the Gulf of America on March 15, and since then has received support from P-8 aircraft assigned to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, allowing for enhanced and increased identification of illicit activity by the Coast Guard. Viral Coast Guard Video Shows Dramatic Arrest Of Suspected Drug Smugglers In Open Ocean "USS Gravely remains at the forefront of maritime operations, ready to take on any challenge," USS Gravely Cmdr. Gregory Piorun said. "We will continue to stand strong, protect vital waters, and ensure that justice prevails. True to our motto, we remain always, 'First to Conquer.'" Gravely helped seize an estimated 860 pounds of illegal drugs from a vessel in the Caribbean Sea on May 25. The interdiction by Gravely was conducted by the ship's Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team alongside a LEDET assigned to the ship. The VBSS team boarded the vessel and discovered and seized 19 bales of cocaine, with an approximate weight of 860 pounds, estimated to be valued at more than $13.6 million, according to the Navy. "This operation supports the administration's focus on integrated homeland defense and maritime border security," Capt. Raymond Jackson, commanding officer of Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, said. "By uniting Coast Guard law enforcement expertise with Navy reach and surveillance, we're enhancing deterrence, increasing domain awareness and reinforcing our commitment to protecting the homeland."Original article source: Third Navy destroyer heads to southern waters as administration strengthens maritime border security
