Spain has agreed to take over the lead role in fighting people smuggling at sea

THE Italian Government, tired of supplying all of the command ships for Operation Sophia rescuing migrants at sea has asked for assistance.

It is estimated that in the last year, Spain has spent €67 million in supplying its small contingent but the entire operation has saved the lives of more than 30,000 people and has arrested 109 people smugglers.

Of the 25 other European countries participating in the operation, just one, Spain offered to help fight the people smugglers by offering to take command between September and December of this year.

The Spanish Navy will lead the operation during that time under the immediate command of its own Admiral but he in turn will report to Rome.

It is expected that the Spanish contingent will remain at 254 men and an aircraft but will replace the Frigate Canarias to a larger supply ship Cantabria.

Written by

John Smith

Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

Comments