Operation Irini

European Union Naval Force Mediterranean
Also known asEUNAVOR MED, Operation Irini
Political leader European Union
Operation Commander Rear admiral
Stefano Turchetto[1]
Deputy Operation Commander Rear admiral
Jean Jourdain de Muizon[1]
Chief Of Staff Brigadier general
Matteo Spreafico[1]
Force Commander Commodore (rank)
Konstantinos Bakalakos[1]
Dates of operation31 March 2020 (2020-03-31) – present
Country European Union
MotivesImplementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya
ColoursBlue, white, and yellow
WebsiteOperation Irini
Preceded by
Operation Sophia

The European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation Irini (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) was launched on 31 March 2020 with the primary mission to enforce the United Nations arms embargo to Libya due to the Second Libyan Civil War. Operation Irini is a European Union military operation under the umbrella of the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). The operation is expected to use aerial, maritime and satellite assets.[2]

In September 2020, the Irini operation stated that within six months, the operation sent 14 special reports to UN Panel of Experts concerning from both sides of the conflict in Libya, performed 12 visits on collaborative merchant vessels and monitored 10 ports and landing points, 25 airports and landing strips. In addition, it made 250 requests for satellite images to the EU Satellite Centre.[3]

Headquarters of the operation are in Rome, Italy. Italy and Greece alternate the force commander every six months (together with the rotation of the flagship).[4]

  1. ^ a b c d Operation Irini-Chain of command
  2. ^ "EU launches Operation IRINI to enforce Libya arms embargo". Council of the European Union. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  3. ^ "Operation Irini has declared the Full Operation Capability". EUNAVFOR MED Operation Irini. 18 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  4. ^ "The Operation sets sail". EUNAVFOR MED Operation Irini. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.